David Hicks is a street photographer – I love to walk the street, hang out on corners, and chat to whoever about anything. I like humanity. From human beings to anything that has a human touch. I like normal life. Almost banal life. I like to see how people live their life on a day to day basis. Their surroundings. Where they put things. Where they hang out.
I’m a collector of these moments, and I collate images together in my online galleries.
What I’m not drawn to is big events (like the Olympics for example) which changes the character of a place with all the tarting up and visitors. I like just normal. I describe what I do as “art journalism”, really for the above reasons. But in the past few years, I’ve rejected the standard way of printing photographs as, frankly, a bit lazy! I mean how often have I seen them printed on board, mounted, and plonked in a black or silver frame. Boring.
This way, I admit, is harder, takes longer, and takes up more space. But by printing on related materials, it brings life to a photograph. It takes it from being a snap to a piece of art. I call this “Photomentary”.
I’m constantly on the lookout for new substrates to print on, so stay tuned for new things.
Self-taught or art school?
I did photography at the college of FE and learnt the basics using film and darkrooms, but largely really self-taught!
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
I’m lucky enough to have travelled the world and seen a lot of art in the flesh and bought some that I love. To happen to own a piece of art would be a highly sought after piece that I would sell and not think about money ever again!!
How would you describe your style?
Art journalism – Art Journalism meets social comment. I’ve travelled to 100 countries and in some way, I see myself as helping to record and interpret ordinary life on our planet at this point in time.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I walk around cities (especially) a lot, and stumble on people and things.
Often I see a certain thing or theme running through a country or city that I’ve not seen before, and just like a collector, I shoot and store thoughts in my camera. As any photographer will tell you, editing is the hardest bit as I often have way too many shots to fit in a story, so I have to be ruthless on the edit.
Is narrative important within your work?
Of course, every photograph needs to justify its existence.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I’m not great with names, but two photographers that spring to mind are Alex Webb and Martin Parr. I guess they both shoot and record humanity so I relate to it more. AW records emotion well, and MP gets up close and personal.
What or who inspires your art?
I find humanity interesting. From people of course to anything that humans have touched or are responsible for.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
The world is my studio. I don’t need a room.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Before I shoot, I do take a few waste shots, just to get my eye and finger in the zone!
What are you working on currently?
I have many projects on the go at any one time. For printing purposes, I’m currently trying to get hold of old bus windows, which is proving hard!
Where can we buy your art?
On my site only. www.hixposure.co.uk
