David Wallace – The Stockman in Black

Description

David Wallace was born and grew up at Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) south east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Upon leaving school David worked as a stockman, breaking in horses, fixing bores and mustering cattle throughout the region.

From a young age David made ‘bush toys’ for himself and the children of his community. These were made from recycled materials such as fencing wire, scrap metal and copper from old motors.

David’s work provides a detailed record of his life and experiences working the land, station and community life throughout central Australia. His subjects are diverse, ranging from  goannas, kangaroos and eagles, to stockmen, rodeo riders and cameleers. The accurate and minute detail in each piece,  reflect his experiences of travelling and  working the land.

David demonstrates great ingenuity of design by recycling elements from discarded “modern day” toys (such as roller blades) and cleverly transforming these into ‘bush toys’ and figurines such as trail bike riders.

David is a prominent member of the Titjikala community, where he resides with his wife and family.  He creates artwork in his spare time and is passing on his skill and knowledge to his son Francis and other young men of the community.

David’s Dreaming is Arlatyeye (yam).