Artistic Portfolio
(Part I: The early
years to 2002)
David Currie
1
My Summary
2
• Years of creative experience in
painting, photography, and design
• Additional experience with photo and
video-editing software.
• MBA, University of Ottawa
• Scholarship to attend The Banff
Centre of Fine Arts
• Work experience as a corporate
trainer, coach, and teacher.
• Over twenty years residing in ChinaDavid Currie
Contact Information
• WeChat: springboardDavid
• Linkedin: David Currie
David Currie
3
History
As a teenager, being considered artistically “gifted” meant awards and a
specialized education.
It really started with life-drawing classes at age 12. Then there were four
years at H. B. Beal, one of Canada’s top high schools for gifted students.
Following that, it was off to the Banff Centre of Fine Art with a full-tuition
scholarship.
Through the adult years there’s been times of strong creative output but
also long dry periods. Anyway, it’s been a never-ending journey. The
following images tell the story.
4
The Hong Kong Years
1996 / 2002
After arriving in Hong Kong, in 1996, home became a small 350 square
foot apartment on Hong Kong Island. Life was mostly about earning
money but somehow between work and taking an MBA, I managed to
teach a drawing class, do some freelancing, and complete a series of
illustrations for East Week Magazine.
It didn’t last, by mid 2002, other priorities were getting in the way; In the
context of being a visual artist, I entered a “dry period”.
5
Bowl
• Pencil on paper, 17.5 cm. X 24 cm
• 1997
Despite living in a cramped little
apartment, I still managed to do some
sketches. Inspired by a Jack Chambers
lithograph, I completed a series of 6 or 7
sketchbook-sized bowl drawings — always
aiming for a swirl of movement in the
pencil strokes.
Rice Bowl
• Pencil on paper, 19 cm. X 19 cm.
• 1997
6
Course
description
For about three years, I taught a drawing
and painting class, once per week, at the
Hong Kong Arts Centre.
7
In 1997, EastWeek Magazine
contracted me for a series of 16
illustrations.
Illustration drawing
• Coloured pencil on paper
• 20 cm. X 18 cm
• 1997
8
Illustration drawing
• Coloured pencil and markers
on paper
• 20 cm. X 17.5 cm
• 1997
9
Illustration drawing
• Coloured pencil and markers
on paper
• 26.5 cm. X 19.5 cm
• 1997
10
Illustration drawing
• Combined drawing with
computer-generated illustration
• 12.5 cm. X 10.5 cm
• 1997
11
Other Illustrations
• Mixed mediums on paper
• 1997
12
The Toronto Years
1986 - 1996
During the first half of a 10-year period in Toronto, while living in a flat in
Toronto’s West End, I produced enough work for a solo exhibition. It was a
big change; I renewed an interest in painting and focused on work that was
realistic.
After 1990, largely because lifestyle changes and a stressful job in the
neurosurgical department at The Toronto Hospital, there was little time left
for art. In addition, a lack of confidence to pursue something that had no
apparent (meaningful) rewards seemed to push me in other directions.
13
Exhibition Poster
Photo taken at the exhibition opening
14
Red Car, Resting Lion
• Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 168 cm
• 1989
15
English Bay
• Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 168 cm
• 1987
16
Red Car
• Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 168 cm
• 1988
Red Car, sketch
Coloured pencil on paper, (approx.( 13 cm X 26 cm
198717
Car and the Willow
• Acrylic on canvas,
90 cm X 90 cm
• 1989
Willow (sketch)
• Coloured pencil on
paper, (approx. 15 cm
X 15 cm)
• 1987
18
Red Maple
• Acrylic on canvas,
90 cm X 90 cm
• 1988
19
Blossoming Tree
• Acrylic on canvas,
80 cm X 80 cm
• 1987
20
Stone Head
• Acrylic on canvas,
90 cm X 90 cm
• 1988
21
Tree in Field
• Acrylic on canvas,
84 cm X 84 cm
• 1988
22
Memorial on
University Avenue
• Acrylic on canvas,
84 cm X 84 cm
• 1987
23
Margaret on Her
Bicycle
• Coloured pencil
on paper, 15cm X
15 cm
• 1986
24
Row of Poplar Trees
• Acrylic on paper, (approx.) 60 cm X 120 cm
• 1987
Row of Poplar Trees (sketch)
Coloured pencil on paper, (approx.) 13 cm X 26 cm
198725
Apple Orchard
• Acrylic on paper, (approx.) 30 cm X 60 cm
• 1987
26
26
Wheat Fields
• Acrylic on paper, (approx.) 37 cm X 70 cm
• 1987
27
Fields
• Acrylic on paper, (approx.) 35 cm X 70 cm
• 1987
28
The Vancouver Years
1980 -1985
Most of the time, while in Vancouver, I was sustaining a living through a
self-owned art store and gallery called ArtVest Graphics which was located
at 57 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver.
During this period, my own work mainly consisted of mixed media
(experimenting with coloured photo-copied (xeroxed) images, sometimes
along with paint or other materials, on paper; very little documentation
still remains.
29
30
Artvest Graphics
• self-owned art shop, North
Vancouver, B.C.
• Late 1981 to 1985
31
Untitled
• acrylic on paper
• (approx.) 54 c.m. x
55 c.m
• 1985
32
Angel
• Collage (a
combination of
colour, and black
and white
photocopies
(Xeroxes) mounted
on paper.
• (approx.) 54 c.m. x
60 c.m
• around 1983
Water Power
• Photo Sequence
• (approx.) 80 cm X
80 cm
• 1981
33
Sand Formation
• Photo Sequence
• (approx.) 80 cm X
80 cm
• 1981
Untitled
• Collage, other mediums, acrylics
• (approx.) 54 cm X 54cm
• 1980
34
Untitled
• Acrylic with marking pen on paper
• (approx.) 54 cm X 54cm
• 1980
35
Hearts for Bomber
• Collage plus other
paper-based mediums
• (approx.) 54 c.m. x 56.5
c.m
• 1980
Studio Program in Art
Banff Centre, 1977 - 1979
The two years in Banff, Alberta was the only time that I veered away from
painting and drawing. This experimental period involved multi-media
constructions (sculpture) and photography.
36
The Flying Maching, part of a student exhibition.
• Wood, wire, rice paper, etc.
• (Approx.) 6 m X 3 m
• Student exhibition (The Cakewalk into Town), Spring, 1978
37
Different views of The Flying Maching
38
Examples of the work I accomplished
during the first year in Banff.
1. The Sailing Maching
2. The Floating Grass Square
3. Photo “sketch”, the Bow Valley.
4. Photo “sketch”, rock face
39
Tunnel Mountain
• Photo Sequence
• 90 cm X 100 cm
• 1977
40
The Floating Race Track, part of a juried exhibition
• Sculpture (a construction made of wood, plexiglass and other materials
• Approx. 160 cm. X 140 cm.
• 1979
41
The First Studio
London, Ontario, 1975 - 1976
After finishing high school, I took a summer painting program at the Banff
Centre. My instructor, Brian Fisher, was a real inspiration. As I recall,
during the program, I produced over 60 pieces of work, mostly acrylic on
paper.
Upon returning to London, I got a job in a local restaurant and my first
studio, I did a lot of paintings (some paintings up to two meters square)
and also had my first exhibitions. When, closing the studio everything had
to be thrown out, However, after about 5 minutes, all of it had been
pilfered from the garbage behind the studio.
42
Cocktail Party
• Acrylic on canvas,
84 cm X 84 cm
• 1975
43
Cocktail Party No. 2
• Acrylic on canvas,
84 cm X 84 cm
• 1975
44
Cocktail Party No. 3
• Acrylic on canvas,
84 cm X 84 cm
• 1975
45
Jokingly referred to
as the “Peanut
Painting”
• Acrylic on canvas,
(Approx.) 150 cm
X 150 cm
• 1975
As I recall, this was
the first painting
after leaving high
school.
46
Black Squares
• Black markers on
paper, (Approx.)
60 cm X 60 cm
• 1975
47
Rotating Rose
• Pencil on paper,
(Approx.) 50 cm X
60 cm
• 1976
48
The Big Green and Pink
• Acrylic on canvas, (Approx.) 150 cm X 210 cm
• 1976
49
Rotating Rose
• Pencil on paper,
(Approx.) 50 cm X
60 cm
• 1976
The End

Part i, portfolio final

  • 1.
    Artistic Portfolio (Part I:The early years to 2002) David Currie 1
  • 2.
    My Summary 2 • Yearsof creative experience in painting, photography, and design • Additional experience with photo and video-editing software. • MBA, University of Ottawa • Scholarship to attend The Banff Centre of Fine Arts • Work experience as a corporate trainer, coach, and teacher. • Over twenty years residing in ChinaDavid Currie
  • 3.
    Contact Information • WeChat:springboardDavid • Linkedin: David Currie David Currie 3
  • 4.
    History As a teenager,being considered artistically “gifted” meant awards and a specialized education. It really started with life-drawing classes at age 12. Then there were four years at H. B. Beal, one of Canada’s top high schools for gifted students. Following that, it was off to the Banff Centre of Fine Art with a full-tuition scholarship. Through the adult years there’s been times of strong creative output but also long dry periods. Anyway, it’s been a never-ending journey. The following images tell the story. 4
  • 5.
    The Hong KongYears 1996 / 2002 After arriving in Hong Kong, in 1996, home became a small 350 square foot apartment on Hong Kong Island. Life was mostly about earning money but somehow between work and taking an MBA, I managed to teach a drawing class, do some freelancing, and complete a series of illustrations for East Week Magazine. It didn’t last, by mid 2002, other priorities were getting in the way; In the context of being a visual artist, I entered a “dry period”. 5
  • 6.
    Bowl • Pencil onpaper, 17.5 cm. X 24 cm • 1997 Despite living in a cramped little apartment, I still managed to do some sketches. Inspired by a Jack Chambers lithograph, I completed a series of 6 or 7 sketchbook-sized bowl drawings — always aiming for a swirl of movement in the pencil strokes. Rice Bowl • Pencil on paper, 19 cm. X 19 cm. • 1997 6
  • 7.
    Course description For about threeyears, I taught a drawing and painting class, once per week, at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. 7
  • 8.
    In 1997, EastWeekMagazine contracted me for a series of 16 illustrations. Illustration drawing • Coloured pencil on paper • 20 cm. X 18 cm • 1997 8
  • 9.
    Illustration drawing • Colouredpencil and markers on paper • 20 cm. X 17.5 cm • 1997 9
  • 10.
    Illustration drawing • Colouredpencil and markers on paper • 26.5 cm. X 19.5 cm • 1997 10
  • 11.
    Illustration drawing • Combineddrawing with computer-generated illustration • 12.5 cm. X 10.5 cm • 1997 11
  • 12.
    Other Illustrations • Mixedmediums on paper • 1997 12
  • 13.
    The Toronto Years 1986- 1996 During the first half of a 10-year period in Toronto, while living in a flat in Toronto’s West End, I produced enough work for a solo exhibition. It was a big change; I renewed an interest in painting and focused on work that was realistic. After 1990, largely because lifestyle changes and a stressful job in the neurosurgical department at The Toronto Hospital, there was little time left for art. In addition, a lack of confidence to pursue something that had no apparent (meaningful) rewards seemed to push me in other directions. 13
  • 14.
    Exhibition Poster Photo takenat the exhibition opening 14
  • 15.
    Red Car, RestingLion • Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 168 cm • 1989 15
  • 16.
    English Bay • Acrylicon canvas, 84 cm X 168 cm • 1987 16
  • 17.
    Red Car • Acrylicon canvas, 84 cm X 168 cm • 1988 Red Car, sketch Coloured pencil on paper, (approx.( 13 cm X 26 cm 198717
  • 18.
    Car and theWillow • Acrylic on canvas, 90 cm X 90 cm • 1989 Willow (sketch) • Coloured pencil on paper, (approx. 15 cm X 15 cm) • 1987 18
  • 19.
    Red Maple • Acrylicon canvas, 90 cm X 90 cm • 1988 19
  • 20.
    Blossoming Tree • Acrylicon canvas, 80 cm X 80 cm • 1987 20
  • 21.
    Stone Head • Acrylicon canvas, 90 cm X 90 cm • 1988 21
  • 22.
    Tree in Field •Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 84 cm • 1988 22
  • 23.
    Memorial on University Avenue •Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 84 cm • 1987 23
  • 24.
    Margaret on Her Bicycle •Coloured pencil on paper, 15cm X 15 cm • 1986 24
  • 25.
    Row of PoplarTrees • Acrylic on paper, (approx.) 60 cm X 120 cm • 1987 Row of Poplar Trees (sketch) Coloured pencil on paper, (approx.) 13 cm X 26 cm 198725
  • 26.
    Apple Orchard • Acrylicon paper, (approx.) 30 cm X 60 cm • 1987 26 26
  • 27.
    Wheat Fields • Acrylicon paper, (approx.) 37 cm X 70 cm • 1987 27
  • 28.
    Fields • Acrylic onpaper, (approx.) 35 cm X 70 cm • 1987 28
  • 29.
    The Vancouver Years 1980-1985 Most of the time, while in Vancouver, I was sustaining a living through a self-owned art store and gallery called ArtVest Graphics which was located at 57 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver. During this period, my own work mainly consisted of mixed media (experimenting with coloured photo-copied (xeroxed) images, sometimes along with paint or other materials, on paper; very little documentation still remains. 29
  • 30.
    30 Artvest Graphics • self-ownedart shop, North Vancouver, B.C. • Late 1981 to 1985
  • 31.
    31 Untitled • acrylic onpaper • (approx.) 54 c.m. x 55 c.m • 1985
  • 32.
    32 Angel • Collage (a combinationof colour, and black and white photocopies (Xeroxes) mounted on paper. • (approx.) 54 c.m. x 60 c.m • around 1983
  • 33.
    Water Power • PhotoSequence • (approx.) 80 cm X 80 cm • 1981 33 Sand Formation • Photo Sequence • (approx.) 80 cm X 80 cm • 1981
  • 34.
    Untitled • Collage, othermediums, acrylics • (approx.) 54 cm X 54cm • 1980 34 Untitled • Acrylic with marking pen on paper • (approx.) 54 cm X 54cm • 1980
  • 35.
    35 Hearts for Bomber •Collage plus other paper-based mediums • (approx.) 54 c.m. x 56.5 c.m • 1980
  • 36.
    Studio Program inArt Banff Centre, 1977 - 1979 The two years in Banff, Alberta was the only time that I veered away from painting and drawing. This experimental period involved multi-media constructions (sculpture) and photography. 36
  • 37.
    The Flying Maching,part of a student exhibition. • Wood, wire, rice paper, etc. • (Approx.) 6 m X 3 m • Student exhibition (The Cakewalk into Town), Spring, 1978 37
  • 38.
    Different views ofThe Flying Maching 38
  • 39.
    Examples of thework I accomplished during the first year in Banff. 1. The Sailing Maching 2. The Floating Grass Square 3. Photo “sketch”, the Bow Valley. 4. Photo “sketch”, rock face 39
  • 40.
    Tunnel Mountain • PhotoSequence • 90 cm X 100 cm • 1977 40
  • 41.
    The Floating RaceTrack, part of a juried exhibition • Sculpture (a construction made of wood, plexiglass and other materials • Approx. 160 cm. X 140 cm. • 1979 41
  • 42.
    The First Studio London,Ontario, 1975 - 1976 After finishing high school, I took a summer painting program at the Banff Centre. My instructor, Brian Fisher, was a real inspiration. As I recall, during the program, I produced over 60 pieces of work, mostly acrylic on paper. Upon returning to London, I got a job in a local restaurant and my first studio, I did a lot of paintings (some paintings up to two meters square) and also had my first exhibitions. When, closing the studio everything had to be thrown out, However, after about 5 minutes, all of it had been pilfered from the garbage behind the studio. 42
  • 43.
    Cocktail Party • Acrylicon canvas, 84 cm X 84 cm • 1975 43
  • 44.
    Cocktail Party No.2 • Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 84 cm • 1975 44
  • 45.
    Cocktail Party No.3 • Acrylic on canvas, 84 cm X 84 cm • 1975 45
  • 46.
    Jokingly referred to asthe “Peanut Painting” • Acrylic on canvas, (Approx.) 150 cm X 150 cm • 1975 As I recall, this was the first painting after leaving high school. 46
  • 47.
    Black Squares • Blackmarkers on paper, (Approx.) 60 cm X 60 cm • 1975 47
  • 48.
    Rotating Rose • Pencilon paper, (Approx.) 50 cm X 60 cm • 1976 48
  • 49.
    The Big Greenand Pink • Acrylic on canvas, (Approx.) 150 cm X 210 cm • 1976 49
  • 50.
    Rotating Rose • Pencilon paper, (Approx.) 50 cm X 60 cm • 1976 The End