Dave Elsom of Sombrero Printmaking is returning for his third exhibition at West Studios. We asked Dave a series of questions to get to know more about him and his journey.
What medium is your exhibition and what is the exhibition’s name? What can people expect when they come to your exhibition?
I mainly use printmaking techniques such as lino printing, collagraphs and monoprints. I've also got work which is a combination of printing and painting, as well as digital artwork. I've called the exhibition "Disorder" as there will be a mix of work, and also because that's what society seems to be at the moment.
People can expect a real mix of work, hopefully seeing art techniques that are a bit different than what they've seen before.
Last year when I had a solo exhibition at West Studios, I donated a percentage of art sales to the Trussell Trust, who organise food banks for the UK. I also set up a collection point for people to drop off food and toiletries for the Chesterfield College's Food Pantry. I will be supporting both organisations again this year.
What inspires you? This could be a specific person, genre, time period etc.
I fell in love with printmaking when I took part in a 10 week course at Sheffield College. I really enjoy having the opportunity to show work that I make, hoping to inspire people to try art for themselves.
One of my favourite things to do is visit art galleries and exhibitions, I get so much inspiration from seeing other people's work. I find it really important to see work by well-known artists as well as people exhibiting for the first time.
How long have you been a practicing?
I took printmaking courses at Sheffield College, with my first one being around 8 years ago. I've been selling my work online and in shops for around 5 years and teaching for 4 years. In January 2022 I started working for myself on a full-time basis, as an artist and print tutor.
Many people have a creative passion but don’t ever think they will take it further. What helped you to decide that you were going to build on your passion?
I had a manager from hell a few years ago when my art sales were starting to take off. I resigned from my job and decided to do temping work while I continued to build up my printmaking business. After a couple of years, I had dropped down to 4 days paid work and was teaching regularly as well as selling my work, and I decided to risk being self-employed without the cushion of paid work. I love what I do, it is very unpredictable but I like that.
What made you chose West Studios when deciding where you should exhibit your work?
West Studios invited me to sell my prints and cards around 5 years ago. I held a solo exhibition in 2019 and then again in 2022, so this will be my third solo exhibition at the venue. It's also the first solo exhibition I've done here since I started renting studio space last year.