David Emerson

AboutDavid Emerson was one of two artists who illustrated Frontiers of Science, taking over from Andrea Bresciani in 1970. He illustrated Frontiers of Science for the next 10 years, meeting its demanding weekly deadline of five strips while making each one as scientifically accurate as possible.

Today David is as prolific as ever, working as illustrator, poet, cartoonist; and landscape and portrait painter from his rural property in Branxton, in the Hunter Valley.

David was born in Paddington in 1945 and grew up in Bondi. Although he never had an art lesson, he managed to get a job with Consolidated Press when he was 16, illustrating its newspapers and magazines. He left after three years to workas a freelance artist and has been doing so ever since.

He moved to the Blue Mountains and became the Blue Mountains Town Artist - the first Town Artist in Australia. Much of his work can still be seen in the artworks which enhance the streetscapes and parks of the area.

He was the first Australian to illustrate a cover of Mad magazine in 1981, with the cover showing a scene from the popular 1970s TV series, Prisoner.

He and wife Eileen have between them seven children and both are deeply involved in community projects, local committees and social issues. One of David's illustrations is called 'Rats got into the Tunnel', and shows the London Underground bombing, while another , 'The Detention Centre Dinner' shows former Federal Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone towering over her Afghani tablemates.

Recently, David was commissioned to paint a mural for Singleton Council and to design illustrated plates for local winery. David teaches weekly art classes and works in the local Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

Based on an interview with Mary Scully. Nd.

Collection

Frontiers of Science