Bio & Rationale
David Bottrell is a Sydney-based artist whose work merges the raw energy of aerosol with a fascination for landscapes and man-made structures. His practice is built on experimentation, using spray paint in layers to create abstract effects that feel fluid, textured, and alive. The result is work that straddles the line between the natural and the industrial, capturing both the serenity of vistas and the tension of urbanisation.
David’s artistic voice grew out of two passions: hiking through wild landscapes and photographing what he saw along the way. These experiences inform his compositions, which often suggest movement, flow, and perspective from above. He frequently uses pressurised water in tandem with aerosol, an unusual technique that adds depth and unpredictability to his pieces. His canvases are equal parts planned and spontaneous, reflecting the give-and-take of working with volatile mediums.
For Aether, David’s art was featured on our Barrel Aged Cherry Sour. The beer itself carried richness and layers of flavour, mirrored in his use of colour, shadow, and form. Just as the ale took its time to evolve in oak, his paintings reward extended looking, revealing new subtleties in texture and tone. Together, the pairing was about patience, discovery, and the rewards of depth.
