David Zampatti was born in Australia and spent his early school years in the West Australian gold fields. After completion of later studies in Perth, he returned to the outback as a geological field assistant to conduct field studies locating new and potential mineral areas. On fulfilment of his contract, David enjoying his sense of space and remoteness of central Australia developed his bush skills as a ‘station hand’ on a large sheep station. The station had once been the site of a major gold rush in the late 1890’s. Over 500,000 ounces of alluvial gold had been found in the area. Aboriginal and seasoned prospectors occasionally brought gold nuggets to the homestead in which they were weighed with much joy equally proportional to the quantity or size of the gold nuggets. In a short time David also began looking for gold.

His first serious attempt at prospecting was immediately successful with the find of gold nuggets scattered on a small hill only 3 kilometres from the homestead. On the strength of this find David began prospecting in earnest.

An initial intention to stay a few months became 6 months, and then years as the magic of the ancient landscape lured David. The rugged ironstone and quartz hills under clear blue skies and the rich red earths reflecting scorching desert sunsets were captivating. The tranquil, dark nights lit by a galaxy of stars were and ideal time for reflection and uninterrupted thought. The vibrant colours and wonderful sense of freedom he was experiencing would gestate and late appear in his art.

On returning from prospecting and with new challenges in mind, David packed his bags and headed to the United States and Europe, even falling in love and making Paris his home for a time. David returned to Australia in 1991 and after settling into a new environment began to paint.

David’s experiences of the outback have appeared throughout his art. A whimsical sense of humour reflecting a childlike and joyful interpretation of daily life appears constantly in his characters. The pretence and rush of modern living is usually swept aside as the vulnerability of our deepest felt emotions are explored.

David has emerged as a popular Australian artist, who has shown an ability to combine our history, its people, and its humour, within a landscape, that we as Australians define ourselves. A ‘dry’ Australian humour is never far away as his social commentary ‘takes no prisoners’. The vibrancy of David’s artwork has attracted a following in Australia and also abroad. David has retained a playful philosophy towards life - as each pebble in his life path; picked up, turned over, and pondered; as if to discover a new angle in which to view the world he lives.