The Common Cup

David Hile grew up in Monroe, Michigan. He began his education at Monroe County Community College where he was awarded an art scholarship that paid for his first two years of studies. He then transferred to Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI where he received three art scholarships and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Cum Laude. After pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI, majoring in drawing and painting Dave began his career in 1981 as a freelance commercial illustrator. He founded Hile Design, which later became Hile Creative LLC, a leading advertising/ brand development firm in Ann Arbor, MI. His illustration and agency career lasted 34 years. Dave retired from agency life in May, 2015. He built a home studio where he spends his time creating gallery and commissioned artwork. He is currently working on an ongoing series of drawings on handmade paper.

Picasso said, “Art is the elimination of the unnecessary.” After a decades-long career as an illustrator—where I did a lot of detailed, realistic rendering—I’ve taken a stripped-down approach to my current work. Using graphite, charcoal, and pastel, I’ve developed a mostly linear style. Though simple, I aim to create fully realized works that are universally appealing, highlighting the dignity of humanity and a unity with the earth and the creatures we share this planet with. Mostly, I strive for a sense of emotion, symbol, and psychological depth—no small challenge in a mere drawing. I view my drawings not as initial sketches, but as fully-realized artistic statements equal to a painting or sculpture. My work is inspired by the late 19th and early 20th century Masters Picasso, Modigliani, Castorati and Schiele, as well as Japanese woodblock prints. In the future I plan to expand into other mediums, but for now I am happy to continue to explore my artwork through my drawings.

Monday-Friday:

8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday:

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday:

7:30 AM - 10:00 PM