David Zampatti - Artist, NSW, Australia
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<p>DAVID ZAMPATTI - GALLERY OF LIFE EXPERIENCES</p>
<p>FREE ADMISSION TO ALL WHO LOVE LIFE ...</p>
<p>David Zampatti was born in Australia and spent his early school years
in the West Australian gold fields. After completion of later studies
in Perth, he returned to the outback as a geological field assistant to
conduct field studies, locating new and potential mineral areas. On fulfillment
of his contract, David, enjoying the sense of space and remoteness of
central Australia, developed his bush skills as a "station hand"
on a large sheep station. The station had once been the site of a major
gold rush in the late 1890’s where over 500,000 ounces of alluvial
gold had been found. Aboriginal and seasoned prospectors regularly brought
gold nuggets to the homestead which were weighed with much joy, equally
proportional to the quantity or size of the gold nuggets. In a short time
David also began looking for gold.<br>
<br>
His first serious attempt at prospecting was immediately successful with
the find of gold nuggets scattered on a small hill only 3 kilometers from
the homestead. On the strength of this find, David began prospecting in
earnest.</p>
<p>An initial intention to stay a few months, became 6 months, and then
years, as the magic of the ancient landscape lured David. The rugged ironstone
and quartz hills under clear blue skies and the rich red earths reflecting
scorching desert sunsets were captivating. The tranquil, dark nights lit
by a galaxy of stars were an ideal setting for exploring and formulating
new ideas. This wonderful sense of freedom he was experiencing would gestate
and appear later in his art.</p>
<p>David's experiences with the outback has remained with him, and reappear
throughout his art. A whimsical sense of humour reflecting a childlike
and joyful interpretation of daily life appears constantly in his characters.
The pretense, and rush of modern living are swept aside as the vulnerability
of our deepest felt emotions are exposed and explored. David has emerged
as a popular Australian artist. He has shown an ability to combine Australia’s
history, its people, and its humour, within a landscape Australians define
themselves.A "dry" sense of humor is never far away as his social
commentary weaves itself into ordinary daily life. His artwork is truly
vibrant and has attracted a following within Australia and abroad. David
retains his playful philosophy towards life as each pebble in his path
is constantly picked up, turned over, and pondered; as if to discover
a new way to see things within the world he lives. His work effuses hope
of the future before him, and a sense of contentment with the journey
he shares with every viewer.</p>
<p>Years later, returning from his prospecting, and, with new challenges
in mind, David packed his bags and headed to the United States and Europe,
eventually falling in love on his journey and making Paris his home for
a time. David returned to Australia in 1991 and, after settling into a
new environment, began to paint.</p>
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