>> David Archer’s automata sculptures are to be featured on Arts Sunday, Channel 2, Sunday 29 October, 4 - 5 pm <<

David Archer was born in Victoria, Australia. At an early age he moved with his family to Adelaide, South Australia. His mechanical interests probably stem from his father, who worked as a mechanical engineer and also happened to be a part- time inventor!

Archer spent some of his youth on a farm in the Adelaide Hills and was often rewarded by trips to the local refuse tip where he would collect all forms of discarded gadgetry and machinery, which he would then take home, disassemble and analyse.

Archer moved from his metal trade as a Boilermaker-Welder to pursue his art interests as a ceramicist, completing his Ceramic Design degree with the University of South Australia in 1987. These studies gave him insight into conceptual design and experience in the manufacture of domestic ware and ceramic sculpture.

“Automato” (1993), Archer’s first solo exhibition saw a departure from his then mostly ceramic based work. His longstanding interest in amusement machines and whimsical gadgetry inspired him to develop a body of kinetic sculptures and simple hand cranked automata.

“Primal Pillow” (1996), the Artist’s second solo exhibition saw further developments into the world of hand cranked automata, with many of the works “performing for their delighted audience”.

His most recent work was presented in “Arcadia” (2002) which included several electric coin-operated fortune-telling machines, along with intriguing electric working models, such as “George” the mechanical drinking monkey.

David Archer currently works for the University of South Australia in the School of Art as a technical officer (Ceramic and Glass). In 2003, he was awarded a residency at the Gunnery Studios in Sydney. His work continues to approach social issues though humour, but always with the human element to the fore.

Professional Experience and Development

2005 Arts Grant Awarded, Established Artist, Development new work, Arts SA

Commissions

2004 South Australian Museum ,donation collection machine, Adelaide, SA

2003 Bay Discovery Centre, donation collection machine, Glenelg, SA

Selected Exhibitions

2005 solo Adelaide Central Gallery, Archer’s Arcadia, Adelaide SA.
Womadelaide, Archer’s Arcadia a Mechanical Carnival, Adelaide, SA.
Jam Factory, Atrium, Adelaide , SA.

2004 Greenhill Galleries Adelaide, Erotica – Exotica, Adelaide, SA
Universal Playground, Adelaide Festival, painted art panel auction, Adelaide, SA.Warm and Salty Bay Discovery Centre, Glenelg, Adelaide, SA
Sculpture Maunsell - Wickes Gallery, Woollhara, Sydney, NSW

2003 Manly Festival Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Sydney, NSW

Recent Media

2007 Arts Sunday, Channel 2, 29th October

2005 3D Radio Interview on WOMAD mechanical carnival tent, February 7 th

2004 Channel 2 George Negus Tonight, May 3rd

Professional Experience and Development

2003 Sydney Studio at The Gunnery, Artist residency at Woolloomooloo, awarded by Arts SA.

2002 Artist in Residence, Working With Automata Hamilton Secondary College, SA

Arts Grant, for development of new work, assisted by Arts SA

Accredited Member,Craftsouth: Centre for contemporary Craft and Design, SA

2001 Artist In Residence, Working With Automata Pembroke School, SA

1989-2003 Technical Officer University of South Australia Ceramic and Glass Department, SA

1997-2000 Lecturer Part Time University of South Australia, Ceramic Production.

1993 Travelled Bali Lombok, Looking at traditional pottery techniques.

1990 Travelled India Rajasthan, Looking at traditional pottery techniques.

1989 Jam Factory Access Tenancy, SA.

1988 Jam Factory Ceramic Trainee with artist Bronwyn Kemp, SA.

1983-1987 Bachelor of Ceramic Design, University of South Australia, Underdale Campus, SA

1982 Boilermaker Welder, four year trade completed, Perry Engineering, Adelaide, SA

Commissions

2002 Skate Park Sculptures with Mambo artist Gerry Wedd, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA

2000 Magic Cave with artist Matt Jonsson, David Jones Christmas display automation, SA

Migration Museum, Working Model Celebrating the Federation of Australia.

Collections

2001 Pembroke School Art Collection Norwood, SA

1993 Mildura Arts Centre Gallery Mildura, Victoria.

1988 Art Museum University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA.

Selected Exhibitions

2002 Solo. Arcadia Bay Discovery Centre, Glenelg Town Hall, Adelaide, SA .Assisted by the Government of South Australia through Arts South Australia.

2001 Beach Street Gallery Henley Beach, SA

2000 One People, Many Stories, Travelling Exhibition celebrating Federation, Migration Museum Adelaide, SA

1998 Plate Gaff Studio, Adelaide, SA

1997 South Australian Clay PCL Exhibitionists, Strawberry Hills, Sydney, N.S.W.

1996 Solo. Primal Pillow Urban Cow Studios, Adelaide, SA

1996 Purple Space Jam Factory, Festival Fringe, Adelaide, SA

1995 The Biggest Ever Candlelit Dinner Jam Factory, Adelaide, SA

1994 Sport... The Most Accessible Theatre In The World Adelaide Festival Centre Trust, SA. Toured Australia 94-96

1993 Solo. Automato Jam Factory Craft and Design Centre, Adelaide, SA

Recent press, media release

2003 Object Magazine 41, February page 63

2002 The Advertiser August 2nd

Messenger Weekly Times, August 7th
Messenger Guardian, July 31st
Update Helpman Academy Newsletter, Vol.9 No.2
Sunday Mail My Week, August 4th
The Advertiser State of Art ,August 3rd
Channel 2 Stateline, July 25th and 27th
Channel 7 AM Adelaide, September 16th
Channel 10 Nightly News, July 31st
5UV Radio Arts Show, August 17th