Streetscapes | davidisbester.com

A Lover of Reality

Wet day, Junction Hotel- Oil sketch 40x30cm

For me, the very essence of reality is that ‘reality’ is an illusion. Once I accept this and choose to love this wonderful illusion, as it unfolds before my eyes, then I can participate without judgment or expectation, and be present in each moment. I can simply be. Life.

This is freedom.

This sounds deep and philosophical but it is not really. If it is raining, there is no point complaining or thinking how great it would be if it would stop. Accept that it is raining. Love that if you can. There is nothing you can do about it. But you can adjust the lens through which you see the world. This process can be challenging… very challenging at times, but it is possible and worth it.

This painting is an illusion of the bigger illusion and is a reminder to me that the rain will end (whatever that rain may be. ie. a drama, an experience or anything) , to love reality and to be in this moment. This is eternity. This is how it is meant to be. Because it is.

Posted 4 months ago at 5:07 am.
Add a comment

Back in my home town.

Royal Hotel Canowindra, early morning- Oil sketch

This is close to home for me. In fact, you can see my garbage bin on the side of the road. The green thing with the red lid. This is early morning before the hustle and bustle begins. The garbage truck has already been but it is before the council guys have come to sweep the gutter. I don’t like to get in their way. The main street of Canowindra has a rhythm which is almost like a clock to me. Public holidays almost seem spooky when the routine is broken. I have found a sense of belonging here. This is my place. This is is where I put my bin out and then bring it in. My participation in community and the illusion of time.

Posted 4 months, 1 week ago at 1:24 am.
Add a comment

A Familiar Place

Vanishing Point- Oil sketch

Finns- Oil sketch 8x10 Oil on canvas

This is the where I live. Home. In fact, in the Wiradjuri language, ‘Canowindra’ means home. I do many paintings of Canowindra and the surrounding landscape. Although on the surface nothing seems to happen here (some say this is what Canowindra is famous for), the one constant thing that can be observed is change. The light, the mood and the flow of energy. This town has a life force of its own. I find it inspiring and beautiful. As well as its significance to the Wiradjuri people, the town has an interesting history which includes bushrangers and I am sure that many of their descendants are walking the street today. The main street has many bends in it as it evolved along the original bullock track not far from a crossing on the Belubula River. It is a place I know well but everyday I see something new.

Posted 4 months, 2 weeks ago at 4:17 am.
Add a comment

Standing Still

Standing Still -Oil sketch

There are certain places that invoke a sense of wonder in me. Sydney Central Station and Lygon Street in Melbourne are those kind of places. They are like moody characters that hold your attention because you are uncertain about what’s going to happen next. Even when nothing is happening it is interesting because you know that something might. I almost find them overwhelming and yet I am captivated by the light, forms, activities, the aliveness and colours. They defy reason for being. They just are.

Such a place is Silverton, in Out Back NSW. This is a harsh and unforgiving landscape and where once there was a prosperous mining town, there is now the occasional stone and tin ruin slowly sinking back to the earth. The slowness and the inevitabile decay of these very humble dwellings brings me sharply into the present moment. No things are permanent.