David Hochbaum’s art is as much about the journey as it is about the finished piece. His work is driven by a love for process—a devotion to the material experience of creating. From early on, David explored black & white photography, film, collage, paint, and found materials. In the ’90s, when framing was costly, David began crafting his own frames ​
​
​
​
​
​
Process and Material
out of necessity. This hands-on approach soon became a core part of his practice, where even the framing is an extension of the work itself.​
David’s studio is now a dynamic blend of mediums, each contributing to his unique visual language. His photographic process, whether on film or digital, results in archival pigment prints mounted on solid substrates. These images are carefully composed, requiring patience and precision. Alongside these works, his pieces on thick watercolor paper—whether silkscreens, drawings, or paintings—offer a more immediate, tactile experience. Working in close creative exchange with other artists over the years added fresh layers to David’s skills, enriching his approach to both printmaking and painting. These collaborations left an imprint on his artistic language, one that merges technical finesse with an open, exploratory spirit.
photo:Iris Bitter
Woodworking is also fundamental to David’s practice, evolving from frames to intricate sculptural towers and ladders. These structures, like Ghost Tower and Kronos Crown, embody his fascination with architecture and symbolism. They evoke a timeless, almost mythic quality, as though each piece serves as both a personal emblem and a universal symbol.
David’s art is both varied and cohesive, blending realism and abstraction, structure and freedom. It is an art that invites the viewer to explore each layer and detail, where every piece reflects the enduring power of the creative process itself.