David Hicks

Interview with photographer David Hicks —

1. Who are you and what do you do?
David Hicks, ex publisher and chef, and now a full time art journalist.

2. Why Photography ? 
Well I’m quite creative, but crap at art ! I feel at one and comfortable with my camera and looking and recording what’s around me.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be involved in photography ? 
I took my first photograph when I was about 8years old. I grabbed my mother’s camera to take a family photograph. It was black and white and came out blurred. Even at that age I was quite embarrassed by it so when I was 16 and left school to go to a further education college, I did a photography course. From then on I was hooked.

4. What are your favourite subject(s) and style(s)? 
Anything that involves a human touch. It maybe humans themselves, or a sign, or anything man made. As for style, I’m printing on different substrates such as glass, leather, silk to name a few. It brings things to life, where the standard printing on paper, mounting and framing I find rather dull, lifeless, and predictable.

5. How do you work and approach a new piece that you are working on? 
I could be described as a street photographer as I photograph the things that I come across. So I don’t need to prepare, but I do need to be ready and nosey! I find themes and titles as I walk around taking everything in.

6. Who are your favourite  photographers ? 
I’m terrible with names, but of the known ones probably Martin Parr and Alex Webb.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work? 
There’s been many. To be honest, anyone who is complimentary, get what I’m doing, or appreciates what I’m doing, I’m flattered by.

8. What do you like about your work? 
I shouldn’t say this, but I still get a thrill from looking at my work (which I’ve had to during lockdown). I find it entertaining and a commentary about humanitarianism. If you were an alien species I think looking at my work would be a very good introduction to humans and the way we live.

9. What advice would you give to other photographers ? 
There’s loads, but in a nutshell, use whatever camera you have with you; avoid sunsets; and do something that makes you happy.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? 
IF I’m still alive and out of this pandemic I’ll be happy..I think. It’s hard to see anything right now and planning anything isn’t an option.

David Hicks

LINKS —

Website:  https://hixposure.co.uk/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hixposure
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Hixposure
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hixposure/

Lisa Freeman

Lisa Freeman is an Arts Illustrated’s Correspondent, representing the United Kingdom.
Lisa is also a Public Relations Director for – Quite Great PR & Marketing in Cambridge.