Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
There are artists and work I like but “trends” is a term that relates to fashion - a passing shallow phase and at this point in my life I have no time for shallow phases.
Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Peter Clarke- I see now how his pragmatism sustained him being an artist of “colour” with minimal resources.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
It would be the artwork by Yvette Hess I was contemplating buying but had to buy groceries instead.
Pick three artists who you would be honored to exhibit with – and why.
I’m happy to exhibit with anyone with like-minded ideals, ideology and integrity as pertains to the connection with their craft. I am not really interested in adoration of anyone.
How did you get started? Did you always want to be an artist?
I enjoyed creativity from a young age and was lucky to have an art teacher that was supportive and tentative. I think I was always geared towards a creative life.
What are some of the key themes you explore in your work?
I think more and more my work has a basis in South African culture and specifically historical socio-political themes. However, these may be more subtle from time to time.
What should people know about your art that they can’t tell from looking at it?
They are looking at a lifetime of me honing my craft.
Tell us more about your creative process.
My process is ad-hock at times and sometimes ordinary and practical. I think in practical terms in order to maintain a constant creative flow which is probably the most difficult as a responsible adult with life’s challenges.
Do you believe an artist should use their platform to influence society? Why?
I think the whole point of art is to elicit an emotive response, having observed the art world however and how the galleries and stakeholders decide who will be commercially successful and who will not, plays a major role in what and how art influences society. Personally, I think art should be one of the tools that influence society for the better BUT I doubt that artists have much say in how where and when that happens.
Do you have a favourite or most meaningful work?
Usually the latest piece I’m working on is my most meaningful work.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
My greatest achievement is making a living from my work.
What are your aspirations for the future?
To be respected.
