Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
Faith 47 Kate Gottgens and William Kentridge.
Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Judith Mason (1938 - 2016) She was a painter and graphic artist of symbolic and mythological landscapes, figures and portraits. Her work is rich and displays a rare technical virtuosity. Mason worked primarily in oils and pencil but also incorporated various graphic media and found objects into her work as well as having made a number of artists' books.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
Lady with an Ermine, by Leonardo da Vinci. I am a huge admirer of Leonardo, a true genius! a great artist and engineer. This painting is from around 1489–1490 and one of Poland's national treasures. The subject of the portrait is Cecilia Gallerani, painted at a time when she was the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, and Leonardo was in the service of the duke.
Pick three artists who you would be honored to exhibit with – and why
Martine Emdur, Reisha Perlmiutter and Kate Gottgens. Fantastic technique and skill. My kind of colour palette and all based around a water theme. I am inspired by their work.
How did you get started? Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes, I had art as a subject in school and studied textile design. I did however work in creative corporate environments for a good 15 years, before taking the plunge and relocated to Cape Town where I became a full time artist.
What are some of the key themes you explore in your work?
I am focusing on people living in an urban environment.
I'm interested in the contrast between the rain that refreshes while bringing new hope and the rushed lives that can drain you. I find it fascinating that - although we are all connected by living in the city, water and our very own DNA - we are indifferent to one another. I'm still trying to make sense of it all. In the concrete jungle, we are all part of the rat race, rushing around and passing one another in close quarters, but can still feel lonely and disconnected. I use a bright orange thread in contrast to the grittiness of the grey to symbolise the connectedness many of us still crave.
What should people know about your art that they can’t tell from looking at it?
Time painting = meditation
Tell us more about your creative process.
Photography is a key aspect of my creative process and where the research starts. After taking a dozen photos I will play with composition and colour in photoshop. From there a few drawings. Play with colour to get the desired palette. After the painting is properly dry the stitching starts. No making mistakes there.
Do you believe an artist should use their platform to influence society?
Yes I definitely do believe we as artists can play a big role in using art as a platform to influence society.
Do you have a favourite or most meaningful work?
I have painted and photographed my muse ‘Shani” many times, 'Sleeping Beauty’ is one of my favourites that emphasizes the bitter sweet of coming to age in teenagers.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
Exhibiting alongside great artists at Zeitz MOCAA, CPT.
What are your aspirations for the future?
So many ideas and so little time..
Create, create Repeat..
