Homewards sits down with David Tovey, expert advisor and artist for Homelessness: Reframed exhibition

Tell us more about what people can expect to see in your latest piece.

I’m really excited about this piece. It’s probably the hardest work I’ve ever made because it represents my home for over six months during a very difficult period of my life. The car sculpture includes personal elements like folded clothing and bedding, which were part of my daily life. The car provided safety and security when I was ill and living on the streets. The sculpture is painted in a significant burgundy / red colour, similar to a paratrooper’s beret, reflecting my military background. This piece combines many connections to my life, including my time in the army and experiences with homelessness.

Can you describe the process of creating this sculpture?

Creating this sculpture has been emotionally and physically challenging. Gathering materials involved travelling to various cities and dealing with logistical issues, like finding a place to build it. A school in Bethnal Green have been incredibly supportive and kindly let me use their playground to assemble the piece. The process has been cathartic but also required me to push myself outside my comfort zone, especially with tasks like welding, which I had to learn and manage on my own.

Where did you create the work?

The work was created in a school in Bethnal Green, near the V&A Museum of Childhood. They allowed me to use their playground, which was a perfect space for this large-scale project. The support from the staff and the inspiration it provided to the children has been amazing. The school have gone above and beyond to make this a positive experience for me.

How did your background and past experiences influence this artwork?

This piece is deeply connected to my life. It includes elements from my time living in the car, like folded clothing and bedding. It’s a representation of my journey and the hardships I faced, but also the safety and security the car provided during a very difficult time.

Why did you choose to support this Homewards project?

Supporting Homewards is very important to me because it addresses homelessness, a situation I personally experienced. Initially, I couldn’t accept that I was homeless, but living in a car was my reality. This project aims to change perceptions and provide support for the homeless community. The involvement of The Prince and the project’s potential impact worldwide make it crucial. It’s about transforming lives and ensuring that people understand and address the reality of homelessness.