Meet collage artist David van Berckel
Reading time: 2 mins
Finding inspiration in nature, particularly brightly coloured beetles and the mysterious nature of moths, David van Berckel creates intricate and considered collages, which are highly accomplished in colour palette and detail. We sit down with the artist to learn more about his practice.
Q: Hi David, please could you tell us a bit about your path to becoming an artist?
A: Hi there, after school I studied a Foundation Art course and it was there that I discovered a love of colour and pattern. I remember there always being a large still life set in the middle of the studio that was the subject of all the drawing work we did. It was here where I learned that anything could become the source material for a pattern.
Q: You studied Printed Textiles at Middlesex University. How did that experience shape the way you work today?
A: It was a wonderful course, made great by some amazing tutors. It covered all aspects of surface decoration on fabric, wallpaper and anything else one could find that a bit of print might enhance. Middlesex introduced me to the world of repeated patterns and printing techniques. Those simple rules have formed the basis of my practice ever since.
‘Anything from a brightly coloured beetle, to the shapes and shadows the leaves on a tree make can trigger ideas that go on to form the basis of new work.’
David van Berckel
Q: Your practice spans screen printing, mono and block printing, as well as painting and collage. When you start a new piece, do you usually have a clear plan, or do you let the process lead you?
A: My starting point for any new work begins with a brief or an idea that I think I could do something with. Because collage is an important part of my work, the raw materials I have in the studio often dictate how the piece will evolve. I often start with a piece of printed matter that is suggestive of something and then I build on that.
Q: Nature is a big influence in your work. Do you spend time making work outdoors, or is it largely a reference point?
A: The natural world is a big influence. I am inspired by all types of landscape. I try to look beyond the obvious and note unusual shapes and motifs. Anything from a brightly coloured beetle, to the shapes and shadows the leaves on a tree make can trigger ideas that go on to form the basis of new work. I tend not to work outdoors but take pictures and try to absorb the textures and colours. These observations alongside other sources of reference, feed into the work in the studio.
‘there is something mysterious and magical, perhaps slightly dark about moths. That most of them are nocturnal, only adds to their otherworldliness.’
David van Berckel
Q: We have published a collection of fine art prints that feature your Moth collages. What draws you to Lepidoptera specifically?
A: The patterns are endless and hugely inspiring for the printmaker. Why am I drawn to Moths in particular? I find them less obvious than butterflies. I think image-wise, there is something mysterious and magical, perhaps slightly dark about moths. That most of them are nocturnal, only adds to their otherworldliness.
Q: Alongside your exclusive K&M print collection, we will soon be releasing a collection of your original artworks. Can you tell us a little about them; your inspiration, chosen medium and unusual canvas?
A: If I’m being honest, the neat size and built in patina of a discarded vintage book cover provides the perfect canvas for an Instagram friendly artwork. The aim was to create something jewel like, where figuration and abstraction meet.
Collaged using vintage paper, they were then overprinted with lino block patterns and other vintage ephemera. I often start with a scrap of printed matter, that is suggestive of something and then I build on that. The coloured ‘chevron’ works were made using the leftover pieces of screen printed Japanese paper.
Q: Finally, what will you be working on in early 2026?
A: I hope to continue doing more of the same :)
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