Under the watchful eye and encouragement of artist Johan Conradie I gained confidence and a passion to pursue painting and drawing (my first love). Johan’s instilling lesson of only ever capture “what you see” rang a bell and has remained in my thought process ever since. Using the camera as a tool to capture every day scenes around Johannesburg and reproducing this on canvas is a journey in itself. Fond childhood memories of times gone by reflected at a quick glance of the city as we buzz busily by in our cars on the M and N 1’s Highways. The recent regeneration of the inner city brings joy and hope to many South Africans that grew up in and amongst the towering beauties which form the skyline of Johannesburg.
My work is very labour intensive and in this way therapeutic at times, there is a lot of construction work that happens before the brush even touches the canvas.
Exhibitions:
- Unisa Art Gallery
- Gallery On The Square
- Art Den
What is your favourite film of all time?!
Lust for Life 1956 Starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh.
What music are you currently listening to and why?
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. I particularly enjoy his voice.
Which living artists do you most admire and why?
Branko Dimitrov, I love his expressionist style of painting…very reminiscent of Van Gogh’s work.
Which deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Vincent Van Gogh – He pursued art even though he never gained much positive feedback while doing so.
Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why?
The Chicago art gallery-a huge variety of very beautiful original artworks from current and deceased masters.
What is the question you get asked most frequently about your work and how do you answer it?
Is it a Photograph?… I laugh and explain that no in fact it is a real painting…
What/ who inspired you to be an artist?
My first Art teacher, she was very encouraging.
Can you tell us about where you make your art and what if any, the significance of this location is.
I work from a home studio, I love the convenience of working at home. There is the most beautiful light that comes through my window in the morning hours.
What do you like most about being an artist?
The late night painting sessions the 3 am quiet, and the great opportunity my career has given me in meeting people from all walks of life.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
Doing an commissioned piece for Liberty Property of the Nelson Mandela Square. It was a great opportunity and am privileged to have been selected to do this particular piece.
What are your plans for the coming year?
To continue exhibiting at Artists under the Sun and expand my exhibition opportunity at various venues around the country.