David Costello

Originally trained as a graphic designer, David was employed as an artist by Walt Disney Animation Australia for nearly a decade where he worked in a variety of artistic roles including the compositing and visual effects area, where he developed a strong eye for composition and the effects of light which is prevalent in his work.

David left Walt Disney in 2007 and commenced full time studies at the highly respected Julian Ashton School of Art under numerous teachers including Archibald winner Francis Giacco, and Alice Bale Scholarship winners Keith Dewell, Sam Wade and Chris Browne. 

In 2009 - 2010 he travelled through Europe, studying for seven months at Studio Escalier in France. This was followed by a period of private study in the United States. David completed a Masters of Visual Arts at the Australian National University, majoring in oil painting in 2012.

Education

2012               Andrea J Smith/Studio Canova Workshop

2011 - 2012    Australian National University, Master of Visual Arts

2009 - 2010    Studio Escalier - France, Independent study - United States

2007 - 2008    Julian Ashton School of Art - Sydney (Diploma of Fine Art)

1997 - 2006    Walt Disney Animation - Sydney

1995 - 1998    Design Centre, Sydney (Associate Diploma Graphic Design)

Awards/Exhibitions   

2012    Finalist - Mosman Art Prize, Mosman Art Gallery

2012    Finalist - Lethbridge 10000, Lethbridge Gallery

2012    Winner - Winsor & Newton - Start Your Studio Scholarship

2012    Brunswick Street Gallery - Painting Group Show

2011    Highly Commended - Brunswick Street Gallery 40x40x40

2011    Finalist - Eutick Memorial Still Life Award, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery

2011    Finalist - Lethbridge 10000, Lethbridge Gallery

2011    Finalist - Alice Bale Art Award Travelling Scholarship

2010    Finalist - Alice Bale Art Award Travelling Scholarship

2009    Waterway Merit and Jouffrault Work Study Scholarship, Studio Escalier

2008    Phillip Muskett Prize for Landscape Painting, Julian Ashton School of Art

2008    Winner - Alice Bale Art Award: Work on Paper

2008    Winner - Alice Bale Art Award: Oils or Acrylics

2008    Finalist - Alice Bale Art Award Travelling Scholarship

2008    Finalist - Eutick Memorial Still Life Award, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery

2008    Finalist - Metro 5 Art Award, Metro Gallery

2007    Finalist - Stanthorpe Art Prize, Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery

2007    Marjorie Santow Award for fine drawing (Julian Ashton School of Art)

2007    Brett Whitely Scholarship (Julian Ashton School of Art) 2007

Artist Statement

I am particularly interested in the way light interacts with the variety of textures, colours and materials present in old, worn, still life objects.  The resulting abstract arrangements of tone and colours can express qualities beyond physical form, i.e., strength and frailty, chaos and tranquility, melancholy and happiness, hot and cold, young and old.