Marion Cross
BAFA (UNISA) & Advanced Dip in Fine Art Painting from Wits
Being passionate about art and the process of painting, I work in many different media. My inspiration is taken from life and I am a keen ‘en plein air’ painter.
The different mediums I use are oils, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, reverse painting on perspex and often mixed media, my work is expressive, as I strive to capture the mood of the place.
My inspiration is taken from the landscape, the sea, as well as from everyday objects around me, those may be things suitable for a still life, flowers, objects and things which are beautiful and catch my eye
Selected Exhibitions:
1999
Solo exhibition (part of) the Wits work at the AVA – ALTERED LANDSCAPES
2006
Solo exhibition at the GCG in Loop Str. – ALTERED LANDSCAPES IN THE CITY
2008
1st prize in the category 'Best Mixed Media' from SASA
2009
1st prize in the category 'Best Mixed Media' from SASA
What is your favourite film of all time?!
I don’t have a ‘favourite’ film, but I do enjoy going to the ‘Cinema Nouveau’ to watch the latest on the circuit.
What music are you currently listening to and why?
From Classical to Rock, the music sets the mood.
Which living artists do you most admire and why?
Anselm Kiefer – size, dedication and integrity, Baselitz – energy.
Which deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Turner – his work is simply beautiful. Kandinsky – stunning colour and rhythm.
Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why?
There are many, to name a few: the ‘Turner’ exhibition in the Tate, ‘Anselm Kiefer and Baselitz’ in the gallery ‘Thaddeus Ropac’ in Salzburg, the’ American Impressionists’ in Pennsylvania.
What is the question you get asked most frequently about your work and how do you answer it?
‘What are you working on now?’ –‘Abstract, landscape and some flowers!’
What/ who inspired you to be an artist?
Can’t say, I have always enjoyed creating an image and playing with colour.
Can you tell us about where you make your art and what if any, the significance this location has
I have my own studio, so that is convenient, but I also paint on location, wherever that may be, it always changes, depending on weather and season, simply to ‘catch’ the moment.
What do you like most about being an artist?
The creative moment when it all comes together.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
My distinction at Wits, winning ‘Best Mixed Media’ twice in a row at SASA and the exhibition at the AVA.
What are your plans for the coming year?
To paint and love it!