In Conversation With... David van Dartel
In the new series ‘In Conversations With…’ Elliott Gallery asks the photographers—represented by the gallery—about their work, inspiration and future plans.
David van Dartel, our extremely talented, young photographer talks about the incredible success of his inaugural exhibition at Elliott Gallery, his first book and his future plans.
1. How do you feel after the success of your first exhibition?
Overwhelmed, I didn’t expect any of that. Having my exhibition launched in the middle of the pandemic, without having a proper opening, was quite crazy and weird for me. I had no expectations whatsoever but seeing how many people were interested in something I was creating over the last 10 years, was great. It was nice that I could invite people to see my work and the fact that people were reaching out to me from all around the world. I am also happy for all those people that got to know Vlieland through my work. It’s a special place to me and I am proud of the worldwide attention it drew through my series.
2. How did you feel when Elliott Gallery asked to represent you?
Honored and grateful. When we were having our first conversations, everything was new to me. I didn’t know how galleries work; I never went to an art school and for me, photography was mainly a hobby. Since then, I learned a lot, especially from the gallery who helped me all the way. It was the first time I saw my work printed, framed and hung between other photographs and I realised how the whole meaning and identity could change by curating. I feel grateful for the chance I got to work with such experienced and professional people and thankful for all the help they offered me in the creation of the series and the launching of my professional career.
3. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Music is my main inspiration. I listen to my favorite songs and I imagine the photographs. Some of my favorite artists that inspire me are Ben Howard, Bon Iver and Paul Weller. For example, the song ‘This Time Tomorrow’ by The Kinks, reminds me of the time me and my friends spent on the island.
4. How do you feel about your first book being published soon?
I am really pleased with the book as well! It’s all a bit overwhelming still, since in less than a year everything changed for me. I launched my first exhibition last April and now my first book is being published, probably in March and sometimes it’s hard for me to realise what’s happening. I’m also grateful for Christopher Bucklow writing the preface of the book. He was an inspiration for me, not only as a photographer, but as a writer as well.
5. What are your plans for the future?
I have a feeling that I’ve done everything I wanted on Vlieland, so I’m thinking about a new environment, a new scenery. An ideal place would be Scotland, I admire the atmosphere, the landscapes, the culture and the people. It would be nice to live there for a short time in the future.
It’s interesting to think about a second series. I was always doing it for fun, but now I want to create something that will also contribute to my development as a photographer. I really want to create something nice, powerful but different than Vlieland. It is a bit like bands creating a second album after they had a successful first one: there always comes pressure with that.
Interview by Eirini Alexandrou (Elliott Gallery) December 2020