Tony David Roberts

About Tony David Roberts

Born in North Wales. Studied in Wales and London (visual communication) Worked in the design industry for 30 years. Worked in USA and Ireland before returning to Wales in 1989. Current practice (bas-relief paintings) I am involved in the creation of artworks that have been produced from discarded and recycled materials. The ideas and themes behind this work first came about eight years ago observing how companies in particular, discard printed matter without considering the research, time and effort that has gone into producing these items. All the books I used in those early projects have been in their life, the vision and inspiration of someone. The contents, both text and imagery would have occupied a number of people for months and possibly years to the cost of thousands of pounds. I gave them a different dimension in a new format, where their previous purpose and meaning my be considered. The continued evolution of my work (skins) are derived from aspects related to issues and concerns in the natural environment and mans carbon footprint. The majority of my work is created in response to observations of natural phenomena and man's past influence and intervention on this planet. I am inspired by the landscapes and shorelines of Wales and influenced by a wide range of sources, natural and man-made, from domestic rubbish to coastal erosion to decomposing seabirds. The impetus to create art comes in itself from an unceasing urge to produce inspirational pieces from life's detritus, the discarded and considered worthless items of which there is an endless supply. This work has been described as a cross between sculpture and painting with a look of ceramics.