Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
Harold Voigt, I love his highly textural Abstract landscapes, consisting of horizontal bands. Atmospheric with a simplicity that is masterfully executed.
Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Jacobus Pierneef, his distinctive style in which he captures the spirit of the African landscape. These appeal to my Design background with his use of balance, and in particular his stylelised trees.
If you could have only one piece of art in you life, what would it be?
JMW Turner’s “The Wreck Buoy”. The light is extraordinarily beautiful.
How did you get started? Did you always want to be an artist?
After studying and matriculation in Art I went into the Textile Industry as a Textile Designer and then as a Product Design Manager. In 2011 I started painting professionally as an Artist under the mentoring of Pascale Chandler.
What are some of the key themes you explore in your work?
The subject matter explores man’s influence and connection with nature, the sky and earth. Clouds are a metaphor for the transience of the moment, and the force of nature.
What inspired your latest body of work?
The vast open spaces of the African landscape with its Big sky’s and unique light. In essence the spirit of Africa, notwithstanding all its challenges both political, and environmental.
Tell us more about your creative process?
I use strong gestural and painterly brushmarks. Tactile surfaces form largely abstract areas, contrasted with fine intimate details, and delicate nuanced patinas
The finished painting is evolved through the application of many layers of oil paint. “Accidents “ of the work enable the process to go deeper and refresh the art intuitively to find a more authentic voice.
What drives you as an artist?
To express my authentic vision and spiritual response to the beauty and powerful force of nature, the sky and earth, and man’s influence on it.
Do you have a favorite or most meaningful work?
I have many favorites, but I feel this is a very subjective idea, and one that does change continually, as my work progresses and develops.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
My solo exhibition held at the Prince Albert gallery in 2015, called “Karoo Moodscapes”
What are your aspirations for the future?
To continue to grow as an artist, and to be involved in more exhibitions locally. To aspire to exhibit Internationally in the future.
