The Artistic Journey of David Partridge
Born in Akron, United States, David Partridge was a multifaceted Canadian painter, etcher, sculptor, and educator. His life was marked by significant movement, having lived in England during his youth before moving to Canada at sixteen. His formal education spanned several institutions, including Trinity College School in Ontario and the University of Toronto, followed by studies at the Art Student's League of New York and the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Beyond his creative practice, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a flying instructor and later became the President of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
Partridge's career was deeply rooted in both teaching and curation. He held various teaching positions at Appleby College, Ridley College, and the Municipal Art Centre in Ottawa. He was also instrumental in the development of the St. Catharines art community, co-founding the St. Catharines Public Library Art Gallery, where he served as its first curator. His diverse professional life also included serving as an unpaid art critic for the St Catharines Standard.
Technique and the "Naillies"
Partridge is most renowned for a unique sculptural form known as "Naillies." These works were created by driving nails of varying lengths—made from aluminum, copper, and steel—into surfaces such as plywood, doors, or beams. He often began with the shortest nails to build a relief sculpture. To enhance the texture and visual impact, he would sometimes cover the surfaces in buffed or abraded aluminum, polish or trim the nail heads, wrap portions in duct tape, or apply lacquer and paint. Some of these works were designed to be interactive, allowing soundwaves to resonate when viewers touched them.
His notable works and achievements include:
