Art and crafts by Tuyo
Discussion with the artist
David Schmitt is a self-taught German painter and engraver. After studying graphic design at the University of Applied Sciences in Augsburg, he moved to Barcelona to pursue his career as an artist. In his work, he combines an archaic and childlike aesthetic with a bold visual presence and commentary, emphasising texture and raw forms to capture a timeless simplicity.
You are described as a self-taught artist. Could you tell us how you came to take up painting and lino printing?
We can have a conversation about what truly self-taught means, but when it comes to painting and printing with linoleum, self-taught in my case refers to having acquired these skills on my own initiative rather than formal training. I started by drawing digitally, but the designs always had an alagoue feel to them, so over time I experimented with different materials and techniques and found my way of working.
You have a particular style, with a ‘naive’ touch, but with well-crafted punchlines, fairly structured compositions and pop references. Where does this universe come from? What are your inspirations?
Mes inspirations vont des peintures rupestres anciennes à la musique jazz contemporaine. En résumé, mon travail est le fruit de tout ce qui m'entoure.
What is your favorite medium?
I continually seek to explore new ways of communicating the same aesthetic principles across different media. I started with printmaking, moving into painting, and I am currently experimenting with ceramics. What connects all of these media for me is the use of artisanal materials and techniques. For example, I like to work on raw Jute canvas when I paint or use hand-crafted paper when printing. Ceramics also brings a unique personality to the table. It is like a collaboration with the material itself, as it dictates a lot of the final look.
You talk a lot about craftsmanship and folklore. What does that mean to you? Do you consider yourself a craftsman?
I would consider myself as a folk-artist, which means that I create something with a personal message and aesthetic, perhaps something decorative, as I believe in beauty and balance as a guiding principle. There is an aspect of keeping the printmaking tradition alive and valuing the craft, but to be a craftsman means creating primarily something of function and use in everyday life. I think culturally we are dangerously close to losing any value for the quality and personal spirit of the objects around us.
Everything is quickly produced in several separate production facilities, architecture becomes purely functional, and clothing lasts only a season before becoming outdated. Traditional craftsmanship creates something that only grows in value over time and carries an element of human devotion and expertise that is impossible to recreate.
You're originally from Germany, but I believe you've been living in Barcelona for several years now. What is your connection to Spain? Why ‘Tuyo’?
I moved to Barcelona two years ago to finish my studies in Graphic Design. I decided to stay after that, as it is a place that offers me a lot of what I am looking for in this stage of my life, both personally and artistically. I chose the moniker "Tuyo" years ago when I started releasing my work. Initially, I was drawn to the word itself, both in its sound and appearance. It means "Yours" in Spanish. I did not know I would end up living in Spain, so I guess I had a premonition!
