Weaver

David Pearce commenced at the ATW in January 2021 as a recipient of the Baillieu Myer AC Scholarship. Over the course of the 2-year scholarship, he worked closely with ATW Senior Weavers, gaining valuable skills and experience in contemporary tapestry practice.

David is an Australian textile designer and artist, living and working on Wurundjeri Land. He undertook the Diploma of Textile Design and Development at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (2009).

David works with knitted and woven forms using natural fibres including wool and paper. He engages in almost all aspects of the production, from spinning the yarn to hand knitting and handweaving. David applies these traditional textile construction techniques to clothing, accessories and jewellery. He explores the dichotomy between the ornamentation and function of these textile forms and the inherent warmth and protection imbued within them. David has taught beginners knitting and crochet as well as advanced techniques. David’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions throughout Melbourne.

David’s two favourite ATW tapestries are Piano Movement designed by Roger Kemp in 1989 and The Royal Harvest designed by Naomi Hobson in 2021.