TONI DAVEY | GOLDWORKS | To Light the Spirit

GOLDWORKS is a dazzling exhibition showcasing Toni Davey RWA's remarkable artistry. This collection celebrates the enchanting joy we feel when surrounded by the radiant glow of gold. Visitors can explore over 40 stunning pieces, including intricate works on paper and captivating sculptures, each meticulously adorned in shimmering gold accents. Immerse yourself in this visual feast and experience the transformative power of gold through Toni's masterful creations. A life spent in creativity, this show focuses on Davey’s works made in Gold and its power. Morocco’s  intense decoration, a key inspiration for Davey describes the “humble and mundane appear precious “ with the use of gold. A lifetime in art practise motherhood and teaching she challenged her students to transform the discarded into a thing of value. A metaphor for life, and self esteem for those who battle with issues of self worth, through lack of any kind. The richness of Gold now symbolizes comfort for Davey.

Toni Davey;

"My recent use of ‘gold’ has surprised me.

A trip to Morocco demonstrated how intense decoration and the use of metallic pigment and materials can make the humble appear very precious in every way. When teaching I challenged my students to find an object discarded and thrown away and turn it into something precious. One student took her baby sister’s dummy from the refuse and by intense care and personal endeavour she decorated it: stunningly beautiful! I have never forgotten and still have it on display in my studio.

A few years ago, while decorating 3 Japanese screens [I loved the readymade 3D grid], this became even clearer. The 1st screen was a homage to Hokusai but during the making, I realised that regular playing cards fitted perfectly into the grid sections of the screen, which I used to complete the 2nd screen. On the 3rd screen I used gold poker cards which I found very satisfying. This screen is in the exhibition.

The richness of shiny materials and their use became a comforting element during the Covid lockdown. I often made richly decorated images to send to grandchildren whom I could not see and who at the time, I had not been able to meet.

I have always been a ‘magpie’, collecting, usually from charity shops, various objects of visual interest, though often without practical function. During this time, several of these favourite objects became the subject for the use of gold: usually using gold and silver Windsor and Newton ink and often with the addition of metal studs which gave the work a more solid 3D quality.

The use of ‘gold’ has continued into recent works including my designs for the gates at The Royal West of England Academy in Bristol which are now installed.

Enjoy the journey of about 60 works: drawings, paintings, sculptures, textiles and assemblages.  I do hope that it lightens your spirit."