Hewing Out the Image

David Venables

About the Artist and the Work

David Venables was born in Haltwhistle, Northumberland to a family of miners and grew up within tight-knit mining communities in the North East at a time when opportunities above ground were extremely limited for young working class men.

However, his artistic talents offered him an opportunity to study art at Doncaster Arts School at age of 14. He continued his study at the Central School of Art and Design in London.

Coal therefore, plays a key part of David’s work in more ways. The black pigment he uses in his paintings is made by the artist himself from ground lumps of coal, meaning his work has both a physical and an emotional link to his heritage.

Hewing Out the Image is a tribute to the family of hewers, drawers, putters; men, women and children and all those who gave their lives to ensure a better life for al in the future.

Partially extracted from South West Durham News, April 6, 2022