Carving a place in the artists' hall of fame
Known for using hand-carved woodblocks to create stunning prints, Andrew Davidson has been the go-to for creating intricate and utterly engaging art that walks the line of minimalism and exceptional detail.
Andrew Davidson wouldn't call himself a fine artist despite a long career full of beautiful art and well-earned respect. This master illustrator has created pieces that merge ancient techniques with modern ideas, creating something extraordinary in the process.
"I'm not a fine artist," Davidson begins. "I don't think I'm even an artist; I don't quite know what I am. But I like to solve problems with pictures."
He provides visual answers through traditional printing methods – using wood engravings to create unique responses to creative challenges. From posters to book covers and even postage stamps for Britain’s Royal Mail, his style flexes between detailed and starkly beautiful black and white pieces to mesmerizing scenes in block color.
I don't think I'm even an artist; I don't quite know what I am. But I like to solve problems with pictures.
Davidson brings a level of creativity that instantly transports the audience. He's just as comfortable illustrating imaginary worlds and mystical creatures in story books as he is showcasing the Paralympic games on commemorative stamps or replicating exotic vistas that make you want to travel. And he does it all from the shed at the bottom of his garden.
"I know this a very new thing for people, working from home, but I've been doing this for 40 years," he says. "Just going from the house to a 23-second commute into the studio, and that's my day."
Davidson brings a level of creativity that instantly transports the audience. He's just as comfortable illustrating imaginary worlds and mystical creatures in story books as he is showcasing the Paralympic games on commemorative stamps or replicating exotic vistas that make you want to travel. And he does it all from the shed at the bottom of his garden.
"I know this a very new thing for people, working from home, but I've been doing this for 40 years," he says. "Just going from the house to a 23-second commute into the studio, and that's my day."
This humble workspace has helped Davidson create iconic pieces of art throughout his career, a tranquil space that allows him to do what he loves.
"It's a really lovely environment to be in. I'm a happy man. I love the fact that I'm using my hands, I'm using my ears, my senses to create something," he says.
Sometimes the wood is a little bit soft, and sometimes it's very hard. It's an organic substance, so, you just commit, you just commit to the block.
Hands-on creativity
When Davidson works on a project, he sets out to create something that will engage the audience. He begins by taking a brief and exploring whether there's a different, more enticing perspective while working out how the elements should appear to bring life and color to a flat medium.
He works by hand, creating bespoke carved wood engravings and carvings to build shape and texture with paint. Wood becomes a tool for creation, adding an aesthetic that can't be replicated; not only does his vision appear on his canvas, but it must first emerge from the grain.
Hands-on creativity
When Davidson works on a project, he sets out to create something that will engage the audience. He begins by taking a brief and exploring whether there's a different, more enticing perspective while working out how the elements should appear to bring life and color to a flat medium.
He works by hand, creating bespoke carved wood engravings and carvings to build shape and texture with paint. Wood becomes a tool for creation, adding an aesthetic that can't be replicated; not only does his vision appear on his canvas, but it must first emerge from the grain.
"Sometimes the wood is a little bit soft, and sometimes it's very hard. It's an organic substance, so, you just commit, you just commit to the block," says Davidson.
This standout style makes him popular for collaborations, particularly in literature, so it felt like a natural fit when The Macallan approached him about an ambitious new project.
Wood plays as essential a role in the aging of whisky as it does in Davidson’s work. Both processes rely on the natural material to effect incredible changes. Whisky matures in casks that influence the flavor, and an inked carving forever changes a piece of paper when pressed. Both Davidson and The Macallan rely on tried and tested techniques with expert intervention to create something outstanding.
"I just love working with The Macallan. There's a nice parallel: the craftsmanship that we both share," he says. "[It] has this history… respecting the past but also looking forward… There's a lot of passion in this collaboration."
"I just love working with The Macallan. There's a nice parallel: the craftsmanship that we both share," he says. "[It] has this history… respecting the past but also looking forward… There's a lot of passion in this collaboration."
Tales of the Macallan Volume I is the first edition in a remarkable series of single malt whiskies that pay tribute to The Macallan Pioneers and their stories. The obvious subject to begin with is Captain John Grant, a character in The Macallan’s history who transformed his ancestral Easter Elchies Estate into the spiritual home of The Macallan in the 1700s. Affectionately known as the 'garden of Elchies' due to its pristine setting, Grant, having returned from the military, saw potential, both in a quieter life and in the land that had raised him.
The single malt whisky, which was distilled in 1950, has been encased in a handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter. Not only is the decanter etched with Davidson's illustrations depicting the life of Grant, the hand-bound almanac made with leather and 24ct gold leaf which encapsulates the decanter is also filled with them. Davidson’s timeless style was the perfect vehicle to tell the historic tale of The Macallan's founding father.
Limited to 350 decanters worldwide, Tales of The Macallan Volume I has an RRSP of $80,000 and will be available at The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Boutiques and premium off-trade retailers from August 2021.