Dave Roper is Artist in Residence

Dave Roper’s mixed media plaques and sculptures have fascinated visitors to the art gallery at Harbour House in recent years. Now we can offer the opportunity to see Dave at work and talk to him about his materials and techniques. He will have several pieces of work in progress, each at a different stage of development, so that visitors can understand the complexity of his technique of building and layering.

To create what he describes as a 3D plaque, Dave typically begins with a wooden base and builds with plaster bandage before adding further plaster or clay. After a base coat of coloured paint, he adds multiple layers and washes of colour to create depth, subtlety and intrigue. His works are truly mixed media, and may also include wire, cloth and resin. Up to 40 sculptures, plaques and paintings will be on display in the art gallery in addition to the works in progress.

Favourite themes include flora, fauna and mythical creatures, and amongst his influences he lists Arthur Rackham, Mervyn Peake, Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Wool and the Chapman Brothers. Dave studied Craft Design at Plymouth College of Art in the late 1970s. Working creatively has given him the opportunity to explore some personal issues and to overcome depression, and he will donate a percentage of his sales to The Samaritans.

For more information visit http://www.harbourhouse.org.uk/g17-daveroper.shtml