Which artists, books or music have inspired your work?
William Kentridge, Philemon Hlungwani and Sam Nhlengethwa
Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Although his work is also termed as a photographic documentary, David Goldblatt’s evocative black and white images of the people, landscape and industry of the mining towns of the West Rand, are for me pure art.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
Probably a Pierneef woodcut. I see his ‘Bloekombome’ whenever I’m driving on the open road, such an integral part of the South African landscape.
Pick three artists who you would be honored to exhibit with – and why
Although we have exhibited together before, I would choose Laurel Holmes, Judy Woodborne and Theresa Jo Wessels. Judy taught me the foundation of fine art print making and I am in awe of her technical skills and creativity, so sharing an exhibition space would be an honor. Laurel, Theresa and I have connected through a printmaking network as well as workshops, and apart from enjoying print making together I love and admire the work they create.
How did you get started? Did you always want to be an artist?
I have always had an affinity for art. It has been with me from childhood doodles, through school, my tertiary education and into the design and advertising industry. It was not until my move to a remote bushveld farm in my forties that I decided to make the leap into the realm of developing my art practice. It was a very freeing (but also a terrifying and challenging) shift of working from the parameters of a client’s brief to working ‘to my own brief’
What are some of the key themes you explore in your work?
Having been immersed in the bushveld from the inception of my art practice to currently living on the urban edge, my work is predominantly nature focused, as this is where I feel most connected and inspired. I am drawn to the vulnerability of species, and the delicate beauty so often overlooked.
What should people know about your art that they can’t tell from looking at it?
I find it difficult to know when to step away from a piece and say it is complete. I have an impulse to step right back in and tinker a bit more, which can prove detrimental by overworking the image!
What are the most essential items in you studio and why?
My etching press - the best investment I’ve made.
My music system because music fuels my creative process
Tell us more about your creative process.
I work from referenced imagery I have photographed over the years, as well as images I take while out in nature (I live close to the mountains and walk there daily). I am drawn to the often overlooked, smaller details in the natural world, and guided by how the subject matter will translate into monochrome as well as how pattern, detail and texture will create impact. I often experiment through sketching, rendering in ink and overlaying on trace paper before committing to the final piece.
The process of print making requires a lot of planning and preparation which I enjoy as it forces me to focus and informs how I go about the rest of my day.
Working with charcoal as a more forgiving medium allows me the freedom to be less meticulous in my approach to a piece. I enjoy the tactile process of smudging, adding, removing and manipulating the material on the paper.
Do you believe an artist should use their platform to influence society? Why?
I don’t think this should be a pre-requisite. I think it’s up to the individual artists to decide if and how they want to be of influence. The arts (art, music, literature, dance, theatre) have a significant and valuable contribution to society, and often reflect society, allowing the viewer their independent interpretation and response, which is the beauty of art.
Do you have a favourite or most meaningful work?
I have my grandfather’s journal of pen and ink sketches he drew as a teenager in 1913. Apart from being technically accomplished, he had a talent for caricature. Unfortunately, he never pursued art, but I do remember him enthusiastically encouraging me to create when I was a small child.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
I’m still creating art!
What are your aspirations for the future?
To never stop learning and improving
To create a body of work worthy of a solo exhibition.
And I’d also like to exhibit internationally.
