Dave Sparkes grew up in Bondi Beach. He has been involved in various creative pursuits for many years. He was senior writer/photographer for the iconic surfing magazine, Tracks, for over 20 years.
Dave has done assignment and advertising work for companies such as SMP, Billabong, Quiksilver, Etnies, Arnette, Kuta Lines and in particular Rip Curl, for whom he has completed over 30 travel/advertising assignments over a 20 year period.
His photographs have adorned the covers of magazines in many countries, including the US, Australia, France, New Zealand, England, Brazil and Spain, and most notably he photographed the cover of the prestigious 2005 US Surfer Magazine Photo Annual.
His book of words and photographs, “The Wave: Tales From the Impact Zone”, was published to rave reviews in Australia and New Zealand by Hachette Publishing in 2011.
Dave has been painting watercolours for 11 years, painting full time for the last 7 years. He is focused on the magical seascapes and landscapes of the Australian Coast, particularly plein air work. He is fascinated by the contra jour ("against the light") point of view, and is especially engaged in distilling the landscape down to its essence. His goal is a hybrid of realism and impressionism, creating a feeling of reality through atmosphere, mood and light.
His work has been sold worldwide, and he has work in the Ballina Shire Council's permanent collection.