SmART ART

Floral African Beauty by Nora Lemmon

2010-06-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

Nora presented a selection of photos for the Emergence Exhibition of which one was a Protea .

This has been used as her reference for her latest painting,an acrylic using mainly Golden and Winsor and Newton as the base colours with layer upon layer of glazing to give a transparent feel to the leaves and petals. Simply entitled Protea - the canvas is 595 x 420mm

Besides the gorgeous light, colour and form captured by Nora...this is a seasonally appropriate painting, given our 2010 World Cup Fever...South Africa is nca!!!

An appreciation of Form - a collection of Nudes by Syd Sellars

2010-04-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein said ' the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science'......

What more beautiful than the human form and the study thereof, the science?

There's a fine line in the ability to capture the essence of the female form within the realm of true art without offence...I think Syd has that ability....

Herewith Syd's Collection wherein his appreciation is reflected by the attention to symmetry and detail...the first in the collection being Dusk Nude [above] and Dawn Nude [below]- oils on stretched canvas - 510mm x 760mm

Golden Nude - oil on board - 700mm x 440mm

Shadow Nude - oil on board - 820mm x 600mm

Sunset Nude - Oil on Canvas - 610mm x 910mm

SmART's OUT OF THE BOX Exhibition

2010-02-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

The last SmArt exhibition of 2009 , "Out of the Box - A Discovery of Perceptions"presented a few challenges , one of which was the very evident global recession and that of the signing up of artists who were happy to tackle the exhibition theme head on....and then of course always the sourcing of a relevant guest speaker.......

Happily, I'm able to say, the challenges were overcome with a resultant succesful and fresh showing of new and vibrant 'Out of the Box' works, an enthusiastic gathering [albeit it on a smaller scale] on the Opening night and the most wonderful, eloquent and passionate guest speaker, Toni Wilkins of COGS who represented Indlela and Door of Hope.

To top it all..........a wonderful Durban evening....without rain!!!

Leigh-Anne and Walter Hurlimann

Often the concern of an opening Evening is about the crowd pull, the numbers attending the Opening...but one thing I've come to realise over time, is that it's more important to get the serious art lovers and buyers in .......the sales at this exhibition were testimony to this fact!!

Ever faithful and enthusiastic patrons, Carol Watkinson [middle] and Pia Paola

Sharon and Ian Marsh[left], Alan Finlay[middle] and Rick Andries[right]

Artist Syd Sellars with the lovely Mrs Sellars

Artist Kerry Michau [left] with invited guests

Larissa Clinton and fellow guest

The ever smiling, Jeremy Whysall

Fellow artists, Jean Whysall, Sharon Goulding and Louise Roodt

John Starmer with fellow guest Rita Moir

Artist Barbyra Smith with invited guest

Milliner Lynette Douglas' hats were a wonderful and completely out-of-the-box addition to the exhibition as well as the very popular pewter work by Carmad Studios [Carole Hardenburg and Maddy Finlay], which all but for a few pieces, sold out at the opening and the next 3 exhibition days.

Jeanette Edwards' pastel entitled "Cherries" and beautiful beadwork by creator Badumile of Badumi Beads, who has just returned from a very exciting and successful show held in Italy.

Finding that which will be held in the light of ' something out of the ordinary' can be quite testing,to say the least, but with the likes of the talented Wendy Ferguson, painter , potter, creator of all things beautiful as in the ceramic Plinths I and II shown above, set off with Badumile's beaded jewellery, Carmad's beautiful pewter and Lynette's Turquoise wide brim with black trim... needless to say....the oohs and aahs abounded!!

Strawbs Philpott's aptly named oil " Chocolate Box"

Kerry Michau's mini abstracts in watercolours formed the perfect backdrop for the pewter
work, jewellery,hat and Plinths

Who says that a Marilyn Monroe [Ma-hi Ma-ho Red Rose-oil by Mabel Armitage]can't be hung with abstracts[acrylics - Trimelbach I and II by Nora Lemmon], a Rose[oil by Lauren Pascal],Zebra[oil by Louise Roodt] and a Rooster [acrylic by Justin Mashora]??

The inspirational work 'Thanksgiving' - an oil by Syd Sellars

Small oil abstract, 'Imagine' to the left is by Beth Cradock who has now sadly left the shores of KZN for the great Gauteng....an artist , art teacher and bubbly personality who'll be missed!!...her work is hung alongside the ever recognizable strong and assertive style of Cheryl Cawdron - this oil entitled "Fantasy Trees"

More of Badumile's evocative beaded jewellery, a necklace with matching bracelet

A gentle watercolour with strong movement, 'The Wave" to the left, shown by newcomer, Karien Hunter hangs adjacent to Wendy Ferguson's 'Nude' in oil

All 3 works in wood and metal shown here by the incredibly talented, Gift Madziva were sold

An oil strong and bold enough to hang with these pieces, was the oil by Maggie Brauteseth, "Galaxy"

My wall of pride and joy.......'Funky Catz' acrylics on canvas by children of Chelsea Prep, Northway Campus
who attended SmArt Art and Craft Extra Mural activities

The fabulous Rooster in oil by Jean Whysall

Ma-hi Ma-ho in White [an oil by Mabel Armitage, thus titled when her paintings of the famous MM were seen and recognized by a Chinese lady at a laudromat , who proclaimed loudly "ahhhhh Ma-hi Ma-ho......" - suffice to say, the name stuck!!!!....and she sits...hangs boldly between 2 rustic pieces by Gift Madziva

Wendy Ferguson's interesting Paper Collage 'The Mountain' placed beside the all too starkly beautiful, Namib oil [bottom] and colour burst Herero, also an oil by Marlene Dickerson

As always, Corrie Scribante's bold, classic Red Roses [oil] hold their own!!!

Justin Mashora's move away from painting cups and bowls to canvasses met with much approval, shown here - his Nguni and Masai Women, in acrylics.

Justin also painted several acrylic bookmarks which sold really well especially given the time of year when many were on the lookout for unusual gifts....what better than an original??

Visitors to the exhibition were met with an array of warm, nature-inspired colours at the front door in the form of an oil by Jean Whysall ' Cape Farm Scene'[top]; Lola - an oil by Sharon Goulding [middle]; an intriguing bead gong entitled 'Old Zululand' by sculptor Stan Ferguson and the striking 'Zebra' oil by Ronnie Huber, accompanied by 3 small pewter planters with cacti by Carmad Studios.

2 more pieces by Syd Sellars...the attention to detail and the fine finish make it hard to believe that they are oils.....Golden Nude [top] and Bronze Lady [bottom]

Marlene Dickerson's Umhlanga Seascape...a powerful,stand alone work in oil stands on an easel just ahead of Louise Roodt's captivating portrait in oils with a sepia palette, Enthralled
and Beth Cradock's acrylic Flower Power

A corner with Pizazz....milliner Lynette Douglas' bold Purple Christmas Cocktail hat compliments Gift Madziva's metal work Saxophone

On the left, the fine art of Ronnie Huber, an oil 'Ceramic Plate with Pomegranates' ...testimony to Ronnie's ability to paint diverse styles and subjects, always producing sought after works of art ....
Centrally placed is the diptych 'Harbour Wall - Gulls' an acrylic in calm,subtle shades of greys and blues by Wendy Ferguson.

This is flanked by another of Wendy's creative pieces, a paper
collage entitled, Avenue...

Dayzee Dolomite.....yip...what's in a name after all???.....except that it fits the bill of all things photographed by this first time exhibitor.....Rust I and II are striking pieces, photos able to hold their own hung adjacently to that of Marlene Dickerson's majestic oil, Zebra

As always...the one to draw attention simply by choice of subject matter, Sharon Goulding did it again.....Sipho, an oil of a young boy.... set apart by fine detail and captured character

Gift's African Pot and Torso provide the backdrop for more pewter by Carmad Studio and very snazzy striped and spotted caps by Lynette Douglas

Hungarian Rosepink felt was used by Lynette to produce the very lovely, stylish hat placed
here next to Brenda Andries' colourful piece in oil, Figs....this was Brenda's first showing.

Left of the photo is Jeanette Edwards' oil Freedom,Living on the Edge
Below that is Stan Ferguson's wonderful creation of brass and copper pipes entitled Mardi Gras...you could almost hear the music.....

Adjacent wall, left - Cheryl Cawdron's striking oils On the Slope, again hung next to the bold work of Beth Craddock, an oil entitled Black Magic...does the name Tretchikoff ring a bell here??...as well as the small floral oil above, Happiness

The gorgeous oils of the 2 ostrich......When Harry met Sally are by none other than the effervescent, Sharon Goulding

Ma- Hi Ma- Ho does her thing again...this time in a Red Dress and compliments the beautiful Roses painted especially with the theme in mind, by Jean Whysall and the oil of the seemingly endless Road to Nowhere by Beth Cradock.

Something well worth mentioning is that for the second time on a Smart exhibition, a painting was bought as a surprise gift by a husband for his wife as an anniversary present...this time it was Jean's Roses...the art must bring out the romantic in men!!!...

Just to the left of the photo, under the white twigs are the detailed pen on paper works, Blue Mood by
Cherise Daniel-Griffiths...a newcomer to SmArt exhibitions

One of my favourite walls, the monochromatic works created a striking show .

To the extreme left and down are Stan Ferguson's contemporary, abstract pieces "White Boxes"
Central to the picture and creating the desired dramatic effect are the well known artist, Kerry Michau's beautifully framed mixed media, Seated Lady and Lady in Waiting II....

Below are 2 pencil sketches by the talented young artist, Charne Donaldson, Hidden [left - SOLD] and Jeremy Chews [right - Giraffe]

To the right and at the top is an interesting piece with depth by Charne, Beaded Lady [tracing paper, charcoal and beads]...and below that is a framed ink on paper work by another newcomer, Janine Steenhuisen, entitled ' A Spray of Flowers'

To draw this Out of the Box post to a close...another look at the work of the artists of tomorrow......just love it!!!

Artist: Zandra Green - HILLCREST

2009-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

Ever since I met Zandra, some 4 years ago, I've been drawn to the creative spirit within her that pursues new avenues with insight and dedication........Though not exhibiting on this exhibition, I thought it prudent to put her talents 'out there' by way of this blog and in so doing....entice her to showcase some of her pieces, be they paintings and/or quilting, on the next one. None of the work shown here is for sale...however, commissions are taken on request.....as in the pastel shown above, done for a friend, of 'Bijou' - the poodle.

Zandra's proficiency in arts and crafts has been an exciting journey that started at at early age. Her grandmother taught her to sew, knit , crochet and make felt toys as a little girl. At a later stage, Zandra became involved in quilting and making fabric banners for various churches. She found working with fabric,beads, sequins and paint extremely satisfying, which led her onto taking a course (in the 90's) entitled ' Drawing for Quilters", run by Sally Scott.

This opened up a whole new world and Zandra was hooked!!

The journey continued when Rita Wilkes, friend and well known art teacher in Westville, encouraged her to paint in watercolour and acrylics.

Under Rita's guidance and encouragement , Zandra furthered her knowledge of drawing,painting and art in general by continually practising, reading books and watching art related videos....the journey continues.....

Artist: Nora Lemmon - Durban

2009-11-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

Nora's fabulous acrylic abstracts, Trimelbach I & II, fit the bill for the Out of the Box theme to a tee!!!

Large paintings (760mm x 1015mm) on stretchers with painted frames - they're sure to make a statement at the exhibition!!

To add to the interest factor of these 2 pieces, is the source of Nora's inspiration:

In 2007 we stayed in a small village in Switzerland called Muren. Close by was this magnificent waterfall called Trimelbach which has carved these interesting holes and tunnels through the rockface and runs off the mountain just below Schilthorn and near Grimmelwald and drops something like one kilometre to the valley below. We were taken to one of the viewing sights by lift which is inside the rockface and the power and noise of the falls is an unbelievable experience. The rock formations created these amazing abstract folds that triggered my inspiration for the paintings.

Of course, Nora's photographic skills make for good viewing too!!!...

Artist: Jeannette Edwards - Durban North

2009-11-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Ever consistent, not one to be daunted by the challenge to think outside of the box, Jeannette has submitted the above oil, entitled "Freedom" (750mm x 600mm) as her theme piece. She has this to say about it:

The Horses in the Desert is called "Freedom - Living on the Edge." It was originally just Freedom, but after reading your motivation about animals living "on the edge" of the herd, and thus putting themselves at risk, I thought Living on the Edge fitted these wild horses. I took lots of dune photos in Dubai, and they are red in the evenings, but this painting could be Namibia where the Wild Horses are, or in the Mid East with Arabian horses................

The other two pieces submitted: the pastel above "Out the Cherry Box'' - (290mm x 330mm) a framed work which won second prize at an in-house North Coast Art Group competition.... and the oil on board below " Out the Window" (400mm x 210mm framed)

Artist: Syd Sellars- Prestondale, Umhlanga

2009-11-01T04:10:00.000-08:00

It's not often that one sets out with the next exhibition theme in mind viz ' Out of the Box' and approached by an artist whose work fits the bill albeit unknowingly........such is the work of Syd Sellars!! .....see Bronze Lady (above) -oil on board - 540mm x 390mm

Syd's portfolio makes for interesting reading:
Syd runs his own graphic design and advertising studio, namely Syd Sellars Design,
and has been in business for the past 25 years.
Syd does oil paintings in his spare time and has recently joined the North Coast Art
Group.
His years of experience in graphic design are very evident in many of the paintings,
together with his love of blending colours, as well as the different subjects and varying
techniques show the versatility of the artist, who has never received any formal training.
Highlights to date, as regards his oil paintings:
* An oil painting of the Rotary Centennial Rose - which was propagated especially for
the occasion, in February 2005. The painting was presented to the Rotary International
President, Glen Estess at the African Centennial celebration in Johannesburg, and is
currently displayed at the Rotary museum in Evanston, Illinois, USA.
* Has sold paintings to people living in Mauritius, Ireland & San Diego in USA.
Syd was born in Durban KwaZulu-Natal, and educated at Northlands Boys High in
Durban North. He is married to Laura, has two daughters and two grandchildren.
Syd is a member of the Rotary Club of Umhlanga and has been recognised as a Paul
Harris Fellow.

Golden Nude - oil on board - 700mm x 440mm...an incredible play of light and shadow on a form of beautiful proportions................

Reflections - oil on canvas - 1m x 700mm

Thanksgiving - oil on canvas - 910mm x 610mm ....a painting that has managed to capture and present the very tangible emotions of 'Thanksgiving'

Artist: Bev Letard, Umhlanga

2009-08-31T03:05:00.001-07:00

Bev's watercolours and in particular her Koi paintings, never fail to delight. Her ability to capture the reflective nature of water and the colourful, yet almost translucent scales of the Koi, is a special talent!

Something worth noting about these popular subjects, is the following which I picked up from Wikipedia:

What are known as 'koi' in English are referred to more specifically as 'nishikigoi' in Japan (literally meaning 'brocaded carp'). In Japanese, 'koi' is a homophone for another word that means 'affection or love'; koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan.

The paintings shown here are simply entitled Koi no. 1 (above) and Koi no. 3 (below) - both 760mm x 550mm

Artist: Emma Robb, Umdloti

2009-08-31T02:42:00.001-07:00

As Spring approaches, and with it the beauty of transition from winter to summer....so too, a transition in subject and application can be seen in Emma's bold, wonderful new works - Missing Watercan (above) - and The Sunnyside of Love (below) - both oils of 700mm x 550mm...and both bound to draw smiles of appreciation!!

Artist: Les Foyn - Glenwood, Durban

2009-08-31T02:19:00.000-07:00

Les has not allowed the grass to grow under his feet and has been hard at work since the last exhibition producing amongst others (spitfires below), this his "Neptune's Wrath" an oil 1048mm x 801mm...a sea wild and awash with colour and movement.............one can imagine ol' Neptune smouldering just below the surface....

Above - NGD Spitfire - 1086mm x 851mm

A little background history on Les' Favourite subjects.....quoted from Wikipedia

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries through the Second World War. The Spitfire continued to be used into the 1950s both as a front line fighter and in secondary roles. It was produced in greater numbers than any other Allied fighter design and was the only Allied fighter in production throughout the war.
The Spitfire was designed as a short-range high-performance interceptor aircraft[5] by R. J. Mitchell, chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works (since 1928 a subsidiary of Vickers-Armstrongs). He continued to refine the design until his death from cancer in 1937, whereupon his colleague Joseph Smith became chief designer.[6] The Spitfire's elliptical wing had a thin cross-section, allowing a higher top speed than the Hawker Hurricane and several contemporary fighters.[7] Speed was seen as essential to carry out the mission of home defence against enemy bombers.[5]
The distinctive silhouette imparted by the wing planform helped the Spitfire to achieve legendary status during the Battle of Britain. Despite a public perception that it was the RAF fighter of the battle, the more numerous Hurricane actually shouldered a greater proportion of the burden against the Luftwaffe.[8]
After the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire became the backbone of RAF Fighter Command and saw action in the European Theatre, Pacific Theatre and the South-East Asian theatre. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire saw service in several roles and was built in many different variants.[8]
The Spitfire will always be compared to its main adversary, the Messerschmitt Bf 109; both followed similar design philosophies of marrying a small, streamlined airframe to a powerful liquid-cooled V12 engine.

Above - NGC Spitfire, 1086mm x 851mm; and

Below - Emerging Spitfire, 1050mm x 787mm

Sculptor: Stan Ferguson - SHEFFIELD BEACH

2009-07-29T07:27:00.001-07:00

It was such an unexpected bonus - having Stan's works submitted for exhibition - with a feel for creating sculpted works from discarded items.............his pieces fitted the bill of "Antiquity" ...to the tee!! They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder...oh, that the world could see beauty the way Stan sees it....creatively!!!

Shown above - Sea Green - also known as ANTIQUITY I - Porthole - the porthole is from a sunken ship....hidden treasure?? This piece was used to set the tone in the ' Study' set up of the Exhibition .

I asked Stan's wife Wendy Ferguson - an artist who also has a post on the blog - for a little background info on the man ...she had this to say...

Stan has been making his creative sculptures for several years - using glorious old pieces of wood, railway sleepers and other - which he teams with 'found' objects chosen mainly for their unique shapes and the interesting way they have aged. Some of his works are large free-standing pieces and incorporate beadwork from northern Zululand circa 1950's, handmade wooden beads, cloth from central and East Africa, copper, wire, etc. All the railway-sleeper-bolts are also dated, some going back to 1929.

One of Stan's wood sculptures. Free-standing. Title 'The Railway' because he has used old railway sleepers and original old 'dated' railway-sleeper-bolts. (Wendy Ferguson)

ANTIQUITY III - Wood Plane...note the brass tap which lifts the colour of the wood and draws attention to the shape of the plane...

'IRON MAN' - A 'character piece' in antique woods, burnished copper and pebbles.

A picture in copper mounted on wood. The title is 'ASP' because of the symbolism of the snake with forked tongue.

Good Coverage for SmART in the Northglen News!!!

2009-07-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Chuffed....to say the very least!!!!....at the article published in the Northglen News' 10th July edition
Great coverage for the Exhibition and the N.P.O. iThemba Lethu !! Many thanks to Sharmaine Reuter for being in attendance and for the fabulous write up...much appreciated!!

Artist: Jocelyn Reitz - DURBAN NORTH

2009-07-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Thought provoking and moving, a work depicting inner strength - words I'm inclined to use to describe the work in oil on board , 400mm x 500mm, simply entitled - The Wiseman.....mind you, one cannot expect less from this accomplished artist who also paints under the name - JOZI.....................watch this space for updates/new works

Opening Evening - Wednesday 24th June 2009

2009-07-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

It's said that Home is where the Hearth is..............and so in an attempt to embody all the comforts of home with the added element of beautiful artwork........this is the sight our visitors to the Opening Evening beheld as they walked down the driveway............the braziers set aglow by glorious woodfires set the tone on a superb Winter's night in Durban!!

The tables were set....................

The art was hung......

Not always an easy task to photograph the artwork behind glass....the reflection cannot do these pieces any justice.....but most have appeared on separate posts where the work can be viewed...see Emma Robb, Pearl Murray

An antique kitchen cupboard was used to great effect to display oils by Ronnie Huber -Potted Geraniums, Persimmons and Cutlery (SOLD); Ann Maree Harrington's - A Simple Fare and Sharon Goulding's oil - Agnes of uShaka (SOLD)

An Ethnic Mixed collage by Wendy Ferguson, wildlife - Wild Dog & Zebra (oils)by Louise Roodt ,floral Fantasia (oil)by Janet Gray and portrait Leonardo's Muse (oil)(SOLD) - and large mixed metal and wood Floral piece by Gift Madziva (SOLD) were hung together to create a mini African Renaissance ...

An oil by Corrie Scribante in the traditional Old Masters style - White Roses - looked fabulous against the dark backdrop!!

So too, the works above - back wall - the mixed piece, top left - Point Road/Mahatma Gandhi facade drew many an ooh and an aah. Below that is the peaceful Ashore, an oil by Barbyra Smith. Top Right is an acrylic, Geranium III (SOLD) by Wendy Ferguson and bottom, Harbour (Wilson's Wharf) - an oil by Les Foyn

Adjacent wall - Bev Letard's striking Koi I & II in acrylic inks, as well as Guilia's colourful, contemporary Poppies Aglow 7,8 & 9...also acrylic ink. Below - Poppies, a strong , confident piece in oil by Colleen Barker...and just to the right of that is Emma Robb's - Something of Value.

A study scene was set with the hanging of John Donno's two watercolours.....an interesting theme piece of Stonehenge - a view through the forest entitled Salisbury (top) - and the very peaceful , softly hued Crouch End (bottom).

Hung alongside, are the captivating photographs by Emil von Maltitz - Tintern Abbey, Madonna (somewhere between Mbunbini Abbey and Fangs Pass) and Sunrise over Amphitheatre -see Emil's post made pre Exhibition

Pewter boxes and candle by Carmad Studio and The Porthole - a sculpture by Stan Ferguson, complete the picture.

Another collection that worked well together -Wrapped - an abstract acrylic ink by Guilia hung above the dramatic, Red Sky at Night -Shepherds' Delight by Colleen Barker and the very happy portrait of Mother and Child, Going to Market by Mabel Armitage

Joelle Gibson - of iThemba Lethu (I Have a destiny) delivers her speech...touching hearts and minds with the harsh reality of abandoned or orphaned children as a result of HIV/AIDS and whose lives this non profit organisation sets out to touch, change and bring hope to by facilitating adoption into suitable families.

Book Launch -Palette of a Pondering Poet - an exciting and new happening for a SmART opening evening. Here poet, Allen Foyn delivers
his first reading of the evening

A good time was had by all!!!

Walter Hurlimann and Jeremy Whysall share a funny moment!!!

Ever faithful patrons of the Arts...Vaughan Spaull, Ian & Sharon Marsh

Poet, Allen Foyn ; guest speaker, Joelle Gibson and Exhibitor, Vanessa Hurlimann

Top photo - Guests Michael and Toni Wilkins bump into a friend...small place this Durban...
Above - Louise Roodt (artist) in conversation with one of the guests.

Bottom - in the foreground - Joelle Gibson chats to a guest about iThemba Lethu

Artist: Wendy Ferguson - SHEFFIELD BEACH

2009-07-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

Accomplished artist, Wendy Ferguson might be new to this blog; but certainly not to the Art World per se - having successfully exhibited many times over the years at various venues - to mention just two - the NSA Gallery, Durban and Art in the Park, Pietermaritzburg.

Wendy's style and subject choice, though distinctive, is also varied - demonstrating an enormous capacity for all things creative!! Three paintings were submitted - as well as a mixed media collage which is unfortunately not posted here (no photo available)

Above - the very lovely, almost 'dreamy' (for want of a better word) oil painting - 'Spirit of Agapanthus' - (580mm x 480mm) a reflective piece - almost like looking out your window at your garden , on a rainy day......

Wild Coast Geese - (520mm x 620mm) a charming work in oils (on board) that embodies all the characteristic confidence that geese just have!!

Agapanthus III - (700mm x 700mm) a simple yet very striking acrylic that was mounted onto a white canvas board giving ita clean contemporary look - this piece sold on the Opening Evening of the Exhibition!

Artist: Emma Robb - UMDLOTI

2009-07-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

Award winning artist, Emma never fails to delight when it comes to exhibiting works with intrigue!! She submitted several pieces - using various media,oils,charcoal,printmaking... each with a different story to tell.......Top Painting is an oil, 400mm x 400mm, simply entitled - Something of Value - a very 'Renaissancy' piece....but then again all of the works submitted were theme based...Particularly lovely, the oil above - Discovered and Rest (600mm x 750mm) is awash with colour and light!!

The very beautiful charcoal - Not alone (600mm x 700mm) - drew much attention at the exhibition.............it's a piece that draws one into a place of reflection. This is a mounted and framed work.

As interesting, is the printmaking work - A Vision - simply mounted in white with a black frame which enhances the work even more....

...and then there's - Grace - an oil (600mm x 750mm) ....a painting that sets the scene of sisterhood.............mmm Woman's Day is on the horizon...and so for that matter is Emma's next post with her new beautiful floral palette oils!!!

Sharon de Beer, Alive Photography - DURBAN

2009-07-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia defines the word :

Photography (pronounced /fәˈtɒɡrәfi/[1]) (from Greek φωτο and γραφία) is the process, activity and art of creating still or moving pictures by recording radiation on a sensitive medium, such as a photographic film, or an electronic sensor.

Light patterns reflected or emitted from objects activate a sensitive chemical or electronic sensor during a timed exposure, usually through a photographic lens in a device known as a camera that also stores the resulting information chemically or electronically.

Photography has many uses for business, science, art and pleasure.

The word "photography" comes from the Greek φώς (phos) "light" + γραφίς (graphis) "stylus", "paintbrush" or γραφή (graphê) "representation by means of lines" or "drawing", together meaning "drawing with light."

I particularly like the part -

the art of creating -

Sharon's work is nothing short of pure creativity given the theme around which to work.....she has Recalled the Age of Antiquity with alacrity -

the 'photoshop' images shown here

- Antique Pearls & Lace ; and

Antique Cup & Saucer

were those chosen for the exhibition; but I thought it prudent to post the sepia and colour works too as a testament to her insight and diverse thinking when it comes to imagery!!

and of 'many uses...for art & pleasure...'

One is instantaneously transported into an imaginery world(e) of Victorian Tea Parties ,one reminiscent of all things bright and beautiful!!!

Sepia Images - Antique cup and Saucer and Antique Pearls & Lace

Colour images - the very beautiful green Antique Cup and Saucer

....and the creamy Antique Pearls and Lace

Artist: Sharleen Boaden - DURBAN NORTH

2009-07-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

It's often in the interpretation of a theme by an artist, that the nature, the character of the artist is revealed....Sharleen's oils submitted for the Renaissance - Recalling the Age of Antiquity Exhibition reveal a romantic, thoughtful side .....

- top painting - Age of Antiquity - 600mm x 600mm - gentle hues are used in the painting of a child at play under a fountain...........which leaves the viewer lost in thought, jogging memories from days gone by.....

- bottom painting - Leonardo's Muse - 300 x 300 - a soft sketched portrait that entranced all with it's almost ethereal nature....

Leonardo's Muse sold on the 2nd day of the exhibition!!

Artist: Cheryl Cawdron- DURBAN NORTH

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

As always, Cheryl's vibrant, clean palette strikes a chord and creates immediate interest!!

Her works are so distinctive in style, resulting in immediate recognition of her canvasses long after the fact....

Fantasy Garden I (top) & II (bottom) were submitted for the Exhibition, with no. I being swooped up on the Opening night!!

Artist: Juliette Gjersoe - WESTVILLE

2009-07-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

Very few artists are as enthusiatic as Juliette is when it comes to embracing exhibition themes!! One mention of the phrase "Renaissance - Recalling the Age of Antiquity", immediately set her to work - and that work was not just 'painting' per se, but researching what and how to paint the subject matter at hand - Juliette looked to the Old Masters for inspiration and technique in palette and application.... "by Jove - I think she's got it!!"

see top oil - Single Rose - 500mm x 250mm - the light and beauty of the rose pervades the darkness

above : oil - Yellow Orchids - 600mm x 350mm, again a beautiful piece which seems to pull itself out of the shadows;
and Apples on a Plate - an oil - 350mm x 600mm......the antique plate sets the tone...

Three Eggs - an oil 500mm x 500mm...an 'out of the box' application???
Below...the piece de resisitance - Nude Youth 1475 - oil - 500mm x 400mm : detail from the fresco at the Vatican Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo

Artist: Gift Madziva - HAMMARSDALE

2009-06-15T12:24:00.001-07:00

A blank canvas is challenging enough for most artists - but creating a work of art from recycled materials is quite another form of challenge altogether.............to look at what has been discarded with a view to producing that which will be treasured, requires imagination and determination.

Gift takes up the challenge on a daily basis and successfully produces incredibly beautiful mixed media and metal works that are statement pieces!!

Shown here are the framed works " Harp" and the 3D " Flora"

Also to be exhibited is a 2m sculptural metal piece that can be shown off in the garden or adapted and used as a light.

Artist: Sharon Goulding- DURBAN NORTH

2009-06-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

With an eye for subject matters that are conversational pieces, Sharon's new work is bound to bring a smile to many faces. She has an extraordinary talent for capturing a joie de vivre!! .....this first piece is entitled 'Wendy, the Garden Angel'.....a little research on the website http://www.wendy.com/ had this to say about the name Wendy...

A lot of people will argue about whether or not the name Wendy was created by J.M. Barrie for the character "Wendy Darling" in his books about Peter Pan.

While research shows that Barrie didn't invent the name "Wendy", he might as well have. Barrie introduced the character Wendy Darling in Peter Pan in 1904. It is well-known that J.M. Barrie's work was often inspired by the antics of children. Many important characters in his books are modeled after children of his friends and associates.
One such child was a little girl named Margaret Henley (shown at the left) who adored Barrie and always called him "my friendy". However, because she couldn't pronounce her r's, the words came out "my fwendy". One variation of the tale says Margaret called Barrie "friendy-wendy" or in her pronunciation, "fwendy-wendy".
Margaret Henley died at age six (c. 1895). But Barrie used Margaret's invented name "Wendy" for a character who symbolizes mothering, caring, loyalty, and undying friendship. Who would have thought that the tenor of the world would be affected by a nickname invented by a little six year old girl? Imagine the ripples she's caused.

Either way....I think it's a darling painting........I know; but I couldn't resist!!!

...and then there's 'Our Ladies in Blue' - a classic piece!!....women at work - a force to be reckoned with....

Sharon's third oil painting is another of a woman at work - "Agnes of Ushaka" - a colourful piece which does, however, leave one wondering how Agnes fared at the end of the day.....

Artist: Nora Lemmon - WESTVILLE

2009-06-11T13:57:00.001-07:00

With just 2 oils submitted this time...Nora has ensured that they do not go unnoticed!!!

Burano I & II are true to the very colourful nature of Burano which is thus described on a travel website:

Burano is an island far off the main Venetian island group, but it's much quieter, less crowded, and quite colorful. There is very little business or shopping here, as it's almost all residential.

How can anything Venetian not be 'Renaissance' related??.....

Artist: Ronnie Huber - Glenwood,DURBAN

2009-06-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

Although this painting...Point Road/Mahatma Gandhi (1200mm x 750mm) has been previously posted on the blog, I thought that as it is being exhibited under the Renaissance theme, that it should be highlighted a little more - especially when I asked Ronnie for her interpretation....
When driving past the facade of the demolished building, Ronnie was moved by the emptiness reflected in the windows of the building which she suggests are the 'eyes' - where once a dance of light and shadow existed...now a soul- lessness...a skeletal structure of what once was.... which also leads onto the contoversial matter of the renaming of the notorious Point Road after the iconic peacemaker, Mahatma Gandhi. Though the move by government was to honour those who contributed in the fight for freedom and human rights....there are those critics who believe that the with the development of high rise buildings being marketed at the richest of the rich
- that this is a total contradiction of all that Mahatma stood for... .

Ronnie's magnificent oil of an Ndebele Woman (900mm x 450mm) captures the essence of a woman of foresight who has a story to tell..of journeys travelled, of paths not taken..........her beaded adornment , a testimony to cultural heritage

On a lighter note....Geraniums in Enamel Pots (300mm x 250mm)
- what is it about enamelware that always takes one back in time to Grandma's enamel pots and jugs...is this the reason we so desire the antiquity.....warm thoughts, memories flooding the mind

...so too silverware..bone handles..Cutlery - 400mm x 300mm......or is it simply that we have so tired of the instant modern life and desire the quality and craftsmanship of the past

and,...... Persimmons - bottom - 300mm x 300mm, like Pomegranates, represent a bygone era...

Artist: Ilma Matthews - DURBAN NORTH

2009-06-10T01:49:00.000-07:00

I loved Ilma's take on the Age of Antiquity...simply - all of Creation in existance...The Ancient of Days.... the detailed oil painting above Aloe Ferox (770mm x 510mm) somehow represents the 'softer side' of an Aloe...which oft is thought of in a 'prickly' sense....

Ancient of Days is a name for God in Aramaic: Atik Yomin; in the Greek Septuagint: Palaios Hemeron; and in the Vulgate: Antiquus Dierum.
The title "Ancient of Days" has been used as a source of inspiration in art and music, denoting the Creator's aspects of eternity combined with perfection.

William Blake's watercolour and relief etching entitled "The Ancient of Days" is one such example. ...see the sidebar

The seascape oils above & below are a pair - Seascape waves....ushering in all too gently - Seascape, Ghost crabs

(both 255mm x 610mm)

Ancient of Days

Blessing and honor, glory and power

be unto the Ancient of Days

From every nation, all of creation,

bow before the Ancient of Days

Every tongue in heaven and earth shall declare your glory

Every knee will bow at Your throne in worship,

You will be exalted, oh, God

and Your kingdom will not pass away,

Oh, Ancient of Days

© Gary Sadler & Jamie Harville,Integrity's Hosanna! Music, 1992.

...and then there's a little oil with a bold stance... Ilma's point of reference, ever seeking out to do 'original' work , was one of her own photos - and is simply and sufficiently entitled....Zebra (250mm x 355mm)

Sculptor: Nola Steele - DURBAN NORTH

2009-06-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Nola's sculptures, like Nola...have a story to tell ....it was to say the least, a fascinating visit to the the home of Nola Steele who was married to the late Nick Steele - gameranger extraordinaire - the legend lives on in many the hearts,minds and memories of conservationists and of course by way of the books he wrote, Gameranger on Horseback and Bushlife of a Game Warden which were illustrated by Nola.... a lady of many talents!!

A woman shackled....sculpture above - a sombre study....

Though Nola's bronze sculptures were the reason for my visit, I was fascinated by her paintings and the vast source of references -piles of drawings,photos and casts of wildlife footprints that she has collected over the years!!...based on her background and the time spent living in the bush, it's not surprising that Nola's wildlife bronze's reflect her impeccable attention to detail ...whether it be the squared upper lip of the White Rhino or the pointed upper lip of the Black Rhino and Calf, specifically carved in a manner seen in the bush i.e. calf just behind the mother ...

Pregnant Nude
-expectant

The sculptures shown here will be on exhibit on a 'Not for Sale - Commissions Taken' basis
Given the history of Bronzing... I was delighted that Nola agreed to exhibit and help create another dimension to exhibition in terms of the Age of Antiquity .

Contrary to the familiar image of Greek sculpture as white marble statues, about half of all sculpture produced during antiquity was composed of bronze. The metal is a relatively strong alloy of two other metals, tin and copper. Bronze was also first and foremost the medium of ancient weapons used by the Greeks and most other cultures of their time. As a medium, bronze proved more versatile than marble and actually contributed to the transition of Greek sculpture into the Classical Period. The ability of bronze to hold its shape - no matter how complex - allowed sculptors to more easily experiment with less rigid poses. The construction of life sized bronze statues involved many complications and required a special technique that took generations to develop.

Black Rhino female with calf

White Rhino - shown here from varying angles..so clearly depicts Nola's love of her subject matter in the care taken to ....show that the rhino has just been alerted...one eye open, one ear back...............as I mentioned previously....a story to tell...

Artist: Colleen Barker - DURBAN NORTH

2009-06-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

A stately pleasure dome decree

Where Alph, the sacred river ran

Through caverns measureless to man

Down to a sunless sea........

Kubla Khan - written by 19thC poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge who claimed that the poem was inspired by an opium induced dream.....

Now who other than Colleen, would have thought of introducing an oil painting of Poppies with a title 'Opium' - as a theme piece for the Renaissance exhibition... mind you, given the fact that the Sumarian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Minoan, Greek, Roman, Persian and Arab Empires all made widespread use of opium as the most potent form of pain relief - it's certainly a topic well befitting the Age of Antiquity!!!

The colours used by Colleen are given to much gay splendour and abandon...a freedom that leads onto another oil...a sea most certainly not sunless!!! .....entitled ' Red Sky at Night - Shepherd's Delight'

Artist: Jeannette Edwards - Durban North

2009-06-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

Few people embrace themes as tenaciously as Jeanette - suffice it to say that on receiving details about 'Renaissance - Recalling the Age of Antiquity', she set to work immediately to find out specific historic details about the church depicted in her oil painting shown here ' Positano' (500mm x 400mm)
and sent me this very interesting piece....

The church of Santa Maria Assunta is famous for its magnificent dome of Majolica tiles, which dominates the village. 'Harpaars Bazaar' was the first movie which portrayed Positano to the outside world, and since then many movies (under Tuscan Sky) have been made in this beautiful setting along the famous Amalfi Coast of Italy.

The village is said to get its name from an incident when pirates stole a 13th C Icon of a Black Madonna from Byzantium. There was a terrible storm off Positano and the sailors heard a voice saying, 'Posa Posa (put down)'. They unloaded the Icon and the storm abated. Santa Maria Assunta was later built around the Icon.

The other painting to be exhibited is entitled 'Girl picking Poppies' (600mm x 750mm)which was inspired by Monet's "Poppies at Argentuil'.

To quote Jeannette -Monet portrayed the simple pleasures of life, like walking through fields of flowers on a sunny day - that is what I hoped to capture.....

and indeed she has!!!....somehow though, this did lead me onto thinking of another aspect...lest we forget...

November is poppy month, the time of the year when by the wearing of a simple emblem, a red poppy, we salute the memory of those who sacrificed their health, their strength, even their lives, that we might live in a free country.
Long known as the corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) because it flourishes as a weed in grain fields, the Flanders poppy as it is now usually called, grew profusely in the trenches and craters of the war zone. Artillery shells and shrapnel stirred up the earth and exposed the seeds to the light they needed to germinate.
Today the poppy is worn on Remembrance Day, the 11th of November. At 11 o’clock on that day, everyone is asked to be silent for just one minute. The silence is a chance to remember all those who have died in wars and to be glad that we are not at war today.

WE SHALL KEEP THE FAITH.
Oh! You who sleep in Flanders’ fields,Sleep sweet - to rise anew,We caught the torch you threw,And holding high we keptThe faith with those who died.We cherish too, the poppy redThat grows on fields where valour led.
It seems to signal to the skiesThat blood of heroes never dies,But lends a lustre to the redOf the flower that blooms above the deadIn Flanders’ fields.
And now the torch and poppy redWear in honour of our dead.Fear not that ye have died for naughtWe’ve learned the lesson that ye taughtIn Flanders’ fields.

Artist: Marlene Dickerson, LA LUCIA

2009-06-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

A typical mammal is a warm blooded, air breathing vertebrate. The heart is divided into four chambers. The body temperature is regulated by a mechanism in the brain, and maintained by the body hair.......(Classification of the Animal Kingdom,English Universities Press Limited)....that's one way of looking at them....and then there's another... Marlene's way...

When it comes to her Wildlife works, Marlene displays a keen sense of knowing.....as in the oil above, Gemsbokke - freedom on the range, a purposeful moving on ...beautifully captured in natural, gentle hues that take you on the journey...............

'....Warden R C Bere and I were driving across a plain one afternoon when we observed a group of elephant cows with their calves. They looked around, flapped their ears and ignored us, so Bere pulled up to let me take photographs. Suddenly, the largest cow spread her ears, shook her head wickedly and, screaming deafeningly, charged. She pulled up not six yards from us. "What brought that on?" I asked "She was peaceful enough before."
'Maybe she was sick of the sight of safari cars," Bere answered. "Or maybe she ate something that disagreed with her. Maybe it was mosquitoes, they drive elephants crazy sometimes. With elephants, you never can be sure. They're unpredictable - like people." ' (Marvels and Mysteries of our Animal World)

..........I liked that story and I think that we humans often fail to realise just that... we assume to presume and neglect to understand the way of wildlife....I think Marlene's oil, Elephants,
projects the majestic unpredictability and strength of character, the maternal instinct of an Elephant cow when with her calf...purple is symbolic of royalty - an apt colour used with intent!!

POET: Allen Foyn, Durban

2009-05-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Poetry...on the SmART blog page??? Absolutely!!!
Indeed an awakening.....

A poet's autobiography is his poetry. Anything else is just a footnote. ~Yevgeny Yentushenko, The Sole Survivor, 1982

As an introduction to and an incorporation of, the performing arts, the launching of Allen's book , The Palette of a Pondering Poet, will take place on the night of the opening of the Exhibition, 24th June
There will be a reading of selected poetry relevant to the evening.

An individual, like a finger print is unique, as is their art. The way we see things is likewise, unique. In writing poetry I find a voice for my soul, and when words fail me, I find painting can convey what other mediums cannot. Originally three friends sitting around a table at a coffee shop sparked off the idea of a book, which was to be a collaborative effort, as the self imposed deadlines grew nearer I found I alone had made strides toward the goal, So I undertook to complete the project myself. My poetry consumed many a long night, and after a year of writing, editing, design and layout, my book, 'The Palette of a Pondering Poet', was born. My father is an avid painter, so naturally, when looking for graphics, I approached him about combining my poetry with his paintings, and in so doing was introduced to a world of the brush and the palette. (Allen Foyn)

Herewith an exerpt from one of Allen's poems entitled

Forgotten Wonders
Flying marvels soon gather near,
As if they've come to hear
The soft sung song of life is revealed,
Giving voice to that which was once
concealed.
Whilst gathering specks of yellow gold,
Each receives something of value untold.
Although they appear as mere works of art,
Each creates its future child's heart.

Photographer: Emil von Maltitz, Durban

2009-05-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

The amphitheatre image is one that always makes me feel on top of the world.
The sun breaking over the Eastern Buttress which itself seems to be sailing
on a sea of clouds just emits a sense of joyful happiness.

Tintern Abbey (above) is Emil's theme piece for Renaissance - Recalling the Age of Antiquity

Tintern Abbey is a well known ruin in the south of Wales. It was demolished,
or rather razed to the ground, during the Henry VIII's attack on the
Catholic Church. This image is of one of the remaining towers. The light
shining down from the top of the spire always makes me think of crawling out
of the dark into the light.

The image of the Madonna in the Drakensberg was photographed early one
morning after getting lost in the mountains, following the theme of light in
the images, it was after a terrible night stranded off the trail on at the
top of a scraggly pass that was impossible to climb. The dawn light shining
out and illuminating Cathedral Peak in the distance seemed to lighten our
hearts after the cold and wet night.

It has to be said that Emil's work is incredibly inspiring and evocative - in a manner that creates wonder and a sense of peace at the beauty of the world we live in. I am delighted that he will be exhibiting the three pieces shown here, on the next exhibition!!

Artist: Les FOYN, Durban

2009-05-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

I met Les Foyn a number of years ago...and it was along the lines of a very different business ..or was it - Les has run his own graphic design business, Foyn Graphics, for a number of years, so it wasn't too surprising that he should want to break out of the mould a little and take up the brush...albeit with the same attention to detail!!

All of Les' artworks posted here are oils, seemingly his preferred medium

- top - Boy and Train- Mason's Mill (300mm x 400mm).............a painting of intensity in light and form...journey bound with a subtle hint of the frailty of man in the face of his own creation
- below - Steam Train- Mason's Mill ( 300mm x 400mm).......an emergent form

I asked Les to provide a little insight on what it is that keeps him on track...pardon the pun...this is what he had to say - in a manner most profound....

I have found in my life-time that the world is not a rose garden. I am constantly reminded that our physical existence is temporal and that Man's yardstick for success is based, in my opinion on falsities. We have generally become immersed in materialism and with the advent of modern technology, we constantly seek instant gratification, albeit of a shallow nature. The cost of which is high in the form of pressure, stress and the depletion of the ability to relax and enjoy what God intended us to. My paintings have become my life and I am extremely passionate about my art. I paint to capture stillness, beauty and peace. The exciting thing about painting for me is that I invariably find a measure of serendipity coming into my paintings. It is amazing how one single brush stroke although not intended and by fortunate accident brings a special meaning or effect to a painting. My subjects are many and varied, they include sea-scapes, land-scapes, portraits, buildings, animals, still-life and things as abstract as old motor vehicles & aircraft. My preferred medium is oil on canvas, my reason for this is that this method has proven itself over the centuries and retained all of it's resplendent, timeless value. A legacy to the artist. I paint sometimes for my own selfish pleasure, but my main goal is to bring tranquility and a little sanity to our otherwise hectic and demanding life styles.

- below - Shipwreck (355mm x 460mm) - a reflective piece ..note the detailed work on the beach sand

Boat on the Beach (500mm x 400mm) ...for that somewhat weathered look

- above - The Lighthouse - this painting has been used on the cover of The Palette of a Pondering Poet...by Allen Foyn (Les' son) herewith an excerpt from the poem of the same title....

' The storms of life are battering at your door,

Dare not open it, lest you let it in even more.

How in this tumultuous turmoil that is life,

Can I stand strong against the seas of our strife.'

- above - a detailed oil, simply entitled , Harbour - Wilson's Wharf (610mm x 505mm)

- and below - The Erica II (500mm x 400mm) - poetically inspiring....

'Off in the distance, a ship does appear,

"The lifeguard has come, abandon your fear".

Thankfully the ship was properly stocked,

Drunken men cheering, the moment they docked.'

- an excerpt from The Erica

The landscape oil below - Cattle in Field (455mm x 610mm) - is a move away from what appears to be Les' favoured subject matter ie machinery, transport,buildings......

..and then it swings back....in almost poster form of art with the Valentino Rossi and Michael Schumacher collage pieces....a dead giveaway to his graphic design grounding...

ARTIST: Mabel Armitage , La Lucia

2009-05-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Mabel or perhaps we might say ' Mother Earth' has been hard at work, doing what she does best...painting people...capturing emotions in the most subtle of ways - the glint in an eye,furrowing of a brow or the crinkling of a nose.......Mabel is in touch with her subjects...depicts a familiarity.............which leads one on and into the possibilities...the story...

Masai boy(above) - is one such character...a darkly coloured oil with the lightness of a crinkly - nose- smile!!

Looking for shells - an oil that takes one back to childhood holidays at the seaside...

Herero Woman - also an oil - a piece with purpose...........a colourful labour!!

Going to Market - that we could all approach our chores this way....................here Mabel manages to capture the joy of possibilities....!

...which perhaps cannot be said for Babysitting - a weighty responsibility...so often seen to be borne by youth....a face resigned to duty...

....and then................all joy..it's the end of a long day and it's Bathtime...and what better way to get away with splashing your sibling............

Sharon de Beer - PHOTOGRAPHER, Durban

2009-05-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

Midlands Treelined Avenue
640mm x 230mm

Though my meeting Sharon happened to come by way of a chance email - the viewing of her work confirmed that it was more along the lines of ' meant to be' than pure co-incidence.

Photography, like painting holds a key to the character of the creator...every stroke representative of depth,passion,wonder - in the words of the old adage ' beauty is in the eye of the beholder'......Sharon's works reflect an inner peace, the serenity pursued - snatches of time encapsulated by just one click..............and a lifetime of knowing how and when to!!

Midlands Jetty
319mm x 480mm

Harbour Boat 640mm x 426mm

All the images shown here are available for purchase -and are all a true reflection of her versatility and drive to capture that perfect moment!!

The following quote is taken from Sharon's website:

My dream has been to start a photography business and "Alive Photography SA" is a realisation of that dream…So many people say "find out what you are passionate about and turn that into a career".I have found that passion, and I have decided to live it!My photos will visually enhance your business or home - whether you are looking for photos to market your business or artworks in your home.I will photograph any aspect of your business that will assist in your marketing campaign. These visuals could be printed in brochures, pamphlets or included on your website.I also love to capture those special moments at home or outdoors. It could be a young woman dancing in a forest or a tender moment of joy between a father and his son.For me it's all about...
Living creatively, capturing moment!

Fisherman's Sunset 640mm x 425mm

Dancing Forest Girl 640mm x 320

Cosmos field 640mm x 320mm

Cosmos Scene 319mm x 480mm

Colourful Canoes 319mm x 480mm

Cloudy Cape Sky 640mm x 426mm

Busy Bees 640mm x 320mm

Bo Kaap Building 320mm x 480mm

ARTIST:Cheryl Cawdron, Durban North

2009-05-12T04:45:00.001-07:00

Cheryl is as her style depicts - original!!! Versatile subject, distinctive style that you will beyond doubt, notice immediately!!
The oil shown above " In the Garden " (945mm x 790mm - framed) and the following 2 pieces, both with the title "In the Forest" - a framed conte work immediately below (448mm x 567mm) and the oil pastel (also framed, 455mm x 545mm) just below that, all seem to create a space that seems almost mystical....a drawing into, a finding of the key and an unlocking of the door to The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)

Cheryl has such an interesting resume - "My love affair with art started at an early age at school in Sandton, Johannesburg (as it was then called) where I was to take art as a school subject. I later did an art degree and post graduate HDE (Education) to become an art teacher through the University of Natal. Unfortunately in South Africa then, married women could not be employed on a full time basis. Disillusioned I joined the domestic retail market in Kwa Zulu Natal and never looked back. My career saw me open the Edgars West Street store, manage various Jet stores and become Regional and then Divisional Manager with Morkels. Finally the Bank employed me where I currently do projects on a National basis.
I digress, during this time I have exhibited extensively and in return have opened a small art school in my home suburb of Durban North. I currently have between 6 and 8 students all very active and rearing to go. We are about to launch into 'oil painting' with great enthusiasm.'

"Kudu" Oil Painting above - 720 x 660mm - framed
'Back to my work! I have always been fascinated by conceptual work and in particular the work of a Dutch painter called Piet Mondrian (1872-1944: De Stijl Movement). His works have large expansive colour with conceptual paint marks and colour definitions. Some may call them trite, I, however, believe that if one were to take any of these 'mark' away - the painting would simply not "work". For the time period, Mondrian was 'avante garde'. His works seemed to conjure the work of aerial photography. On researching this, I went with it and produced a triptych called "The Big Pink". This was exhibited in Cape Town at the then Cape Triennial exhibition.
My work continues to explore the painterly mark with a purpose of placing the mark confidently on the canvas. This requires much thought and careful consideration. I am overawed by texture, especially that presented by the great South African climate, both in my beautiful garden and the game reserve wilderness. This fascination with texture has kept me enthralled for some eight years now and I often wonder when I shall tire of it and move on...'

.........Press on Cheryl, press on!!

ARTIST - Emma Robb,Umdloti

2009-05-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am so delighted to have some new works of Emma's on the blog - but ...the reason for the new work is best of all!!!........The others' have SOLD!!! - Great success - well done Emma!!!
The most interesting piece above, is an oil (750mm x 650mm) entitled "The Netting Game"............fitting, given the recent National elections!!!

This rather lovely embodiment of rich autumnal hues that takes one on a leisurely walk right into the field, is "Wheat", also an oil (600mm x 450mm)

Last, but not least - what appears to be one of Emma's favourite subjects - Horses, in an oil (760mm x 650mm) - "Not too far Honey"....a gentle,restful piece...very easy on the eye - but that goes without saying for most of Emma's work!!!

Artist - Pearl Murray, DURBAN

2009-05-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

So true the saying ' First impressions are the lasting impressions ' and what an impression Pearl made on me!! Though I would like to describe Pearl as altruistic, there's a quote by Natalie Combray that counters this a little " Volunteers need both selfish and selfless motives to sustain their interest" ....and yet given the enormous amount of commitment shown by Pearl to her 'interests' , I am left wondering just where the selfish part comes in??
The Poignant Portrait above is "Peggy's Grand Daughter"

Could it possibly be her determination and drive to succeed?....here's an account of how Pearl 's career in the art world began....and of her seemingly exhausting schedule that she just seems to take in her stride!!..I'm of the opinion that CAN'T...is not a word that exists in Pearl's dictionary!!

Above, watercolour - a painting simply entitled 'Chester'

"Many years ago I was told by my artist sister that I would never be an artist, and that set me off. I painted in oils for many years and taught for 7 of them.
I then went into watercolours and have been in that medium for 8 years and for last 1 year into Pastels - I recently have painted quite a few commissions in this medium.

I love painting animals, portraits, airplanes, trains, anything that I can photograph is transformed into a painting. In fact, I love painting and spend as many spare hours as I can sitting wherever I can - painting.
Amazing what you can do whilst sitting on the lawn.

Apart from the many things that keep me busy, is feeding Feral Cats,President of both the North Coast Art Group and Manor Gardens Garden Club, Gardening, Housekeeping and Cooking. I exhibit where I can, I work on the computer doing my own scanning, printing and designing (no templates) to put together Year Event Calendars, Notepads, Bookmarks, Greeting Cards(originals painted), Postcards and Mini Calendars.
Each page on the Event Calendar and Notepad have a mini picture of one of my paintings, usually a selection of 5 which are then repeated.
They come in a series of Animal and African scenes as well as portraits of People,Cats, Dogs and Horses. Above is an example of one of the pastel Cat portraits (Postcard)

....and to the left - a delightful watercolour postcard"On the Road"

a lot of what I receive in monies is spent on feeding Feral Cats and I support Animal Anti Cruelty in SA, donating the occasional painting for them to raffle

Below, "The Happy Giraffe" - a watercolour postcard

...and the "Mother and Calf" watercolor - also a postcard.

They always say that if you want to get something done, give it to a busy person.......

Artist : Bev Letard : A Follow up.......

2009-04-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

'In many lives it is the beginnings that are most significant: the first steps, though seemingly effaced, leave their imprint on everything else that follows'

Lewis Mumford, American philosopher,writer,social commentator & architectural critic :1895-1990

So too, the imprint left upon Bev's style of painting by her Chinese Master teacher....who has become her personal friend and mentor - subsequently Bev has been acknowledged by the acclaimed artist in his 3rd book which has just been published.

Koi fish remain Bev's favourite subject ...to quote:

The koi fish, with their amazing colours, grace of movement and integration with the water they swim in has been a great challenge to capture with paint.

They are painted with a limited palette of the three primary colours of red, yellow and blue only, and together these basic colours produce images that echo the spirit and personality of the natural world around us.

However.. Bev is resolute in her drive to paint all that holds true.........to form,colour and shape...and ventures oft away from the world of watercolours to capture the more heady, more dramatic - personified above in 'Cloe' - an acrylic (460mm x 600mm)...and collectively in 'Before the curtain rises' - mixed media (acrylic with the skirt in tulle - 460mm x 600mm)

The watercolours posted below, embue all that Bev holds dear....colourful movement - herewith 'Chrysanthemum Delight' (560mm x 370mm);

'Magic in my Garden' - watercolour & pastel (510mm x 330mm)

'Splash of Colour' - watercolour & pastel (750mm x 560mm)

'The Pink Lily' -watercolour & pastel (760mm x 470mm)

'Waterlilies on the Pond' -watercolour (370mm x 560mm)

Artist : Lesley Freeman, DURBAN NORTH

2009-04-17T06:29:00.001-07:00

"Oh the vibrancy!!!", I exclaim....to which Lesley enthusiastically responds...

'Yes! I've been inspired - colour is abstract, after all!!'

Lesley's oil paintings of trees are awash with glorious colour - the Gnarly I & II above with an almost 'icy ' splendour whilst Mediterranean Pine I & II fill the canvas with resplendent hues of yellow and blue

Artist - Ronnie Huber - MORE!!

2009-04-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

After the sale of the 2 Nguni's, I approached Ronnie for more of her available work...and that's exactly what I received - not only by way of art..but more so by way of diversity - in colour,form and subject....a whole lot MORE!!

...and it starts with "Steel Blast Furnace in Vanderbijlparl" - a mixed media piece (oil/charcoal/acrylic) on canvas that explores the other side of life...........a work after work

And moves onto the ' 4 Tswana women ' an oil on canvas (1000mm x 800mm) - clothed in tactile, voluminous colour.......women draped in splendour....with a purpose!!

A move away from form and colour of a human nature to an evocative unfolding of Mother Nature , is the simply titled "White Roses" - an oil on canvas (1000mm x 800mm)....that embodies all the colours, shades and tones of white ....and the gentle pervasive palette of pinks in "Bowl of English Roses", also an oil on canvas (1000mm x 700mm)

There is an almost poignant approach to"The sculptor" at work on his creation , an oil on canvas(1000mm x 900mm) that captures the essence of all that art is.....life,form, colour,shape; and most importantly -the passion within that drives the creation without

The mixed media (oil/charcoal/acrylic on canvas) piece below,ambiguously entitled "Point Road/Mahatma Gandhi Road."............is best embodied in the following saying from Havamal (1000 year old words of wisdom)- Sayings of the Vikings ....on the subject of Renown..of which Point Road needs no introduction...however with regard to the new name viz Mahatma Gandhi.......

Cattle die
kinsmen die
all men are mortal.
Words of praise
will never perish
nor a noble name

Artist- Bev Letard, Umhlanga,KZN

2009-03-31T06:04:00.000-07:00

Bev has been hard at work, not that it's unusual behaviour for Bev who loves to continuously explore the various media available....
However ,this time, she has solely focussed and submitted watercolours in soft, gentle hues - as seen in Orchid Delight (top- 610mm x 470mm,unframed) and Reflections on the Pond (570mm x 420mm, excluding the mountboards & Frame), a study of waterlilies .

Way back in July 2008 , Bev's first post to the site was made - her magnificent watercolours created by the masterful application of paint and water on paper , create a flow, an Harmonious Movement (750 x 520mm unframed) -here, Bev's primary subject, the koi, depict just that!!

Artist - Veronica (Ronnie) Huber, DURBAN

2009-03-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

I was on a 'seeking Nguni' trail that led me to my first time meeting with Ronnie. I was immediately transported into another world as I walked past and absorbed painting after painting in her 'art filled' and charming home.

Though subject matters are diversified - attention to detail and intensity of mood are intrinsic to each piece!!

As this is the first time for Ronnie's work to be posted onto this site - I asked her for a little background:

"Bloemfontein born Ronnie Huber moved to Durban in 1970 and has always exhibited a passion for the arts. Coming to painting via ceramics, she explores form, colour and texture. Though her first love remains oil on canvas, she also enjoys pastels and life drawing under the guidance of prominent local artists Deanne Donaldson and Pascale Chandler. Working from her Glenwood home studio, her broad appreciation of music, a love of the environment and the magic of light inspire her and are reflected in her work. She explores a wide range of subjects including still life,landscapes,human form and informal portraiture. Her work appears locally and in international homes"

The larger piece (oil on canvas -800mm x 1100mm) shown at the top of this post, depicts such an incredible strength of character - to quote the title - a true Celebration of Nguni - indeed!!

The smaller pieces (oil on canvas - 500mm x 500mm) are all part of a charming ongoing series of Nguni - the demand being greater than the supply!!....no need to explain!!

Watch this space for more of Ronnie's work!!

Ilma Matthews - Durban North

2009-03-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ilma's choice of subject matter , style and choice of subtle hues reflects an inner peace and tranquility......calm waters, moored boats.....an unhurried approach....

Zanzibar - oil (920mm x 760mm) is one such painting that takes you on a journey...

So too, Moored...and waiting - also an oil (760mm x 1020mm) which sets one wondering about the blue yonder...the distant horizon

Jeanette Edwards - Durban North

2009-03-12T05:39:00.000-07:00

Jeanette has submitted a painting due to go on exhibition at the La Lucia Mall this month - Dogs at Dawn (570mm x 380mm) - a watercolour of wild dogs, created and painted with attention to detail - their inquisitive nature has been so beautifully captured !!

Artist: Maureen Lesser - Umdloti

2009-03-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

Maureen is a newcomer to the site; but not to the world of arts and craft..... I asked her to provide a little background info:-

(Green Point Lighthouse -Cape-1824)

Born in Johannesburg where I lived and worked until my relocation to KZN in 2002.

I enjoy my craft making, and try to make items that are useful and nice to have, rather than ornamental.

My main interest as far as painting goes, lies in charcoal sketching. I attended The Johannesburg Art Foundation

for 2 years, where I developed the interest in and use of charcoal.

I am also keen on digital photography.

(Umhlanga Lighthouse - 1954)

Maureen is an artist that enjoys persuing varied and creatively challenging avenues, hence her newest venture - 3Dimensional models, of South Africa's most popular Lighthouses, which are molded by hand and painted in acrylic....very charming collector's pieces!!

The framed lighthouses are 210mm x 170mm - a good size for hanging a series of lighthouses!!

This is just the start of Maureen's 3D project though, as she intends to work on a series of Zulu ,and other, huts.

We look forward to an update...watch this space!!

Cape Agulhas

Umhlanga, KZN

Mike Nel, Durban

2009-03-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

Mike Nel has been working on a series of paintings, Africa Overloaded, for the past 3 months. He has been incredibly successful with some 40 odd sales of the works which range in size from 300mm x 300mm to 600mm x 600mm ....it's not difficult to see why...

They are bold in colour and style, epitomising Africa, its' people and the life lived in a happy, humourous manner ....They are so very typical of all that we see; but seldom does an artist manage to capture the images with such verve!!

Herewith a number of images sure to bring a smile to your dial....

- Mike's Zebra Studies.....reflect a more serious side of his painting

Marlene Dickerson, La Lucia

2009-03-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Marlene has a way of capturing tangible 'life' within her paintings - light and shadows dance and create depth in a breathtaking manner....for example - Incoming tide , a smaller than usual painting for Marlene (12x10inches)....but with a magnitude of drama that belies its size!!

Not given to painting just the ordinary - Marlene approaches regular subjects with an extraordinary flair...consider her work : Drakensberg 1 - an array of colourful hues, effectively reflecting the majesty of the range!

A Wildebeest Party is an oil that was on show at the last exhibition ; but oh so worthy of another preview...that and the fact that it works so well with another of her works - Zebra Stampede ....both beautiful studies of the animal form in the wild!!

Shena MacDonald, Durban

2009-03-04T02:19:00.000-08:00

Shena is one of those artist's with courage- venturing into unknown territories and stretching those artistic abilities with incredible results!!!
This, the first and not the last (I'm sure) of Shena's Nguni's - This oil is of a majestic, regal looking animal (1500mm x 1000mm).
This colouring seems to depict that of the"Locust - qhwagi (i(li)qhwagi/amaqhwagi[rob,plunder] A black or red beast with white on the back or face. Beasts described as having this colour pattern were frequently observed in the field. They were moststly red and white and quite heavily mottled."

" The sight of a herd of Nguni cattle at pasture - their multiple patterns and colours, the delicacy of the cows, the fine,strong conformation of the bulls, the strength of horned oxen - is a sight that has entranced pastoralists for thousands of years. It is a sight that has given rise to a complex and aesthetically rich naming practice and has inspired vivid imagery in praise poetry and many other forms of the oral art. Cattle are celebrated abundantly by the Zulu people in daily life - for their beauty, their fecundity, their value in social exchange, and their presence as mediators at the threshold between man and his ancestral shades'
- THE ABUNDANT HERDS - A CELEBRATION OF THE NGUNI CATTLE OF THE ZULU PEOPLE -Marguerite Poland, David Hammond-Tooke and Leigh Voigt

Another 'out of the box' oil painting submitted by Shena is that of "Indian Dunes" (2500mm x 500mm) - photo to follow..................watch this space!!

A profusion of colour is depicted in Shena's floral oil - St Joseph's Lilies (1200mm x800mm)

Lotus Flowers (1500mm x 1000mm) captures botanical beauty in soft light

Emma Robb,Umdloti

2009-03-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

Effervescent Emma has been hard at work, and has submitted several oils, all reflective of her inherent love of nature and colour

Near Warden Freestate - 560mm x 710mm

A series of Drakensberg oils ( 1; 2 and 3) - 450mm x 600mm
are imbued with harmonious hues of autumnal colour.................

Art & Economics...a continual creative process

2009-03-03T00:25:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since the last post .............the 31st October 2008, to be exact.
Oh, how global economies have taken a tumble in that time.....job losses, International bank & company closures,price hikes........and we, the purveyors of art have not been left unscathed.

Obviously with the tightening of belts, comes reduced spending...particularly on so called luxury items...and it is into this category, that the arts & culture, fall. However, with the most welcome decline in bank rates, there has been a slight upturn in spending..............and I am pleased to say that business is, for the first time in six months, experiencing an upward trend!

Framing aside, there has been a surge of enquiries for original art and this has led me to approach local artists,before the next planned exhibition (early May '09), for new work to put on the blog.

The response has been overwhelming to say the least.....in the midst of all the economic crises, the creative instinct within artists has not experienced a recession at all...there, in fact, appears to be a renaissance happening......................new work, new styles,new,new,new - many seem to be on the path of fresh awakening and a delightful, fresh creative atmosphere abounds!!

The concept of renaissance, a rebirth, a reawakening.....is intriguing....I've been doing a little research on the subject, with the next exhibition in mind.Here I must give credit to Marlene Dickerson for her idea on The Age of Antiquity.....I relish the thought of paintings that may transpire when due thought is given to the style and subject of the Master's......Michaelangelo, Velasquez, Rafael, da Vinci......................not copies; but concepts!!

These quotes from the Wikipedia site on the subject of Renaissance:

As a cultural movement, it encompassed a revival of learning based on classical sources, the development of linear perspective in painting, and gradual but widespread educational reform. Traditionally, this intellectual transformation has resulted in the Renaissance being viewed as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern era. Although the Renaissance saw revolutions in many intellectual pursuits, as well as social and political upheaval, it is perhaps best known for its artistic developments and the contributions of such polymaths as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who inspired the term "Renaissance man".^[2]^[3];

^and

The Renaissance was so called because it was a "rebirth" of certain classical ideas that had long been lost to Western Europe. It has been argued that the fuel for this rebirth was the rediscovery of ancient texts that had been forgotten by Western civilization,

One wonders with all that the world is going through.....is it not time for another 'renaissance'?...a rethink on that which has been lost?!!

Economically speaking - I subscribe to the Hong Kong Trader, the latest newsletter (4th March) is worth a read - it certainly addressed my concerns about having another exhibition during these tough times...this is what some of the experts have to say:

Vincent Tse, Managing Director of Hong Kong's Brand Compass Marketing Communication Ltd.

"In times like these you can always find a new opportunity. You need to maintain your spirit and the quality of your brand and products.Spirit is important. People always turn to something good in tough situations, and they will support you."

Dr Sherriff Luk, Director of the Asian Centre for Brand Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

"You actually need to invest in your brand," Dr Luk said. "We always suggest a strong brand must be able to establish an emotional connection with the target audience......you can also take that a step further and build a living brand, one that becomes part of the customer's life" He added that in order for this to take place - one needed to work creatively....and this takes courage

They could be talking about art....don't you think??
But enough about the artists...
This note (again from Wikipedia)

It has long been a matter of debate why the Renaissance began in Florence, and not elsewhere in Italy. Scholars have noted several features unique to Florentine cultural life which may have caused such a cultural movement. Many have emphasized the role played by the Medici family in patronizing and stimulating the arts.

To our patrons - we salute you and thank you - we look forward to your continued support!!!

That said, it gives me great pleasure to showcase some of the artists' and their work!!
All work shown on this blog is for sale and commissions are also taken.
Prices are on request
ALL enquiries are welcome!!

Opening Evening - Emergence Exhibition-29th October

2008-10-31T00:33:00.000-07:00

The Heavens opened and the rain poured down....we hurriedly dropped all the blinds on the verandah, shifted some of the furniture in from the edges...and hoped for the best!

It had all been set up, crisp white tablecloths........glasses, wine, food, flowers..................and ART...would the people come out in THIS weather......ah Durban....perhaps not?

......and then it was all over and a glorious rainbow emerged ......the promise of a perfect evening - and it was!!

As always, I am incredibly grateful to those who came - without people, there's just no party!!

....and to those who helped - in particular Cheryl and Trevor Cox, who both just did not stop running to and fro with the eats and drinks!!...

To the artists and guests alike - Thank you for your invaluable support!...........To the artists in particular - your work was outstanding - I thank you for making it one of the best exhibits yet!!...
(top photo - Cheryl Cox , my right hand lady!! and me)

The quality of work on exhibit was acknowledged , and commented on, by many!

Given the theme of the exhibition, Emergence, the artist's comments about their paintings/works had all been noted on the Exhibit cards - this proved to be a factor that most enjoyed - providing a little more information about the piece than the usual details viz title, medium.

Ladies night out,l-r: Rose Howell, Carole Hardenberg and artist Maddy Finlay

One of the highlights of the evening, ie besides the wonderful works on display... - was the address by the guest speaker, Karien Hunter (of AMC Hunter Inc) - an incredibly busy lady with an enormous capacity to assist charities in areas where her expertise is needed.....

and then, of course, the heartrending account shared by Ros Visagie of God's Treasure Chest - the nominated charity. Ros' story of the beginnings of the home for rescued children was both enlightening and challenging! That one woman, with an enormous capacity to love, can pursue her vision to give children abandoned and close to death, lives filled with hope and a future - is indeed humbling! (Photo above, l-r: Ros Visagie and Karien Hunter).

So, what have art and charities to do with one another?? Therein lies the challenge to us all.... in these difficult and trying economic times, it's often difficult to take the focus off ourselves and place it on the needs of others less fortunate.

The primary intent of the exhibition is indeed to showcase and sell the wonderful pieces that all have been so hard at work on; but if we allow self to dominate - a stifling of the creative occurs........it's with eyes and hearts wide open that we get to see, hear and appreciate the world around us!!

With permission, I would like to quote two extracts from The Saga of the Soul (Atomic Atman), by D C Leslie-Pringle which is a satirical piece about human nature in general....it's thought provoking - an introspective tool....

… and the victims of your avarice
fall like chafe before the scythe,
as you trample through their suffering
heedless of their cries.
… and you reap a ravished harvest
in the conquests you pursue …
as you crush the weak and weary,
leaving scars across their lives!
… and the profits in your coffers … lie tarnished,
like their blood upon the sand.
… and the jewels of your emporium,
are the lives of those betrayed.
Tho’ you’re blind to their accusing,
your guilt has soiled your hands!

.....and another excerpt from the last verse

… and careless in your laughter -
as thoughtless in your words -
you have yet to seek forgiveness,
for the actions of your deeds.
The code of life is Love!
When will you see the Light?
To free yourself from your attachment,
to the world of material greed …

However, it must be said that the tone of the blog and therefore the exhibitions, is not meant to be a satirical one; but that in light of the global chaos.....we need to continue with what we do and to do it well, in the hope that along the way we bring cheer and hope to the lives of others whether it be by way of our work or ...if we're able - to provide financially.

To this end, may I congratulate the artists and thank the guests for the funds raised in support of God's Treasure Chest - Ros was delighted and extremely grateful!!

To confirm this statement - I quote, this time from Prov 24 v30-34 'I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgement; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come upon you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man'

and so, without further ado...it's Hiho hiho...it's off to work we go!!................top photo - artist Juliette Gjersoe and daughter chat to Jean and Jeremy Whysall

Top photo,l-r - Walter Hurlimann, artist Mabel and her husban Bevan Armitage
Below l-r: guests Brenda Andries and Julia Knowler

2 groups within this pic - to the left Marlene Dickerson with guests, Sharon Marsh facing the camera............to the right of the pic is artist Emma Robb(in blue) with guests Maureen , Ellie Pharoah (with the grin!!)and Jenny Triall (back to camera)

Nola Steele and Maureen Chadwick with artist JOZI in the background

Watercolours to the left - top Blue Crane
by Jeannette Edwards; and
Blue Nude by Thelma Buzzard

Oils to the left by Wendy Horner: Cows I & II

Photo below - staunch supporters Ian and Sharon Marsh
Bottom photo - Wendy-Lee and Nick Horn

Artist: Maddy Finlay, AMANZIMTOTI

2008-10-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Maddy 's 3 oils are part of an emergent artistic process .....nudes are not the norm for her....given mostly to painting pots, landscapes and sidewalk cafe scenes.....this is indeed a stepping out!!

Tastefully painted with a reflective air and appreciation of the beauty of a woman's body , the 3 form a set; but are able to be hung individually given the right spot

Artist: Bev Letard, UMHLANGA

2008-10-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Bev is an exceptionally busy yet passionate artist. Not content to simply adopt one style as her own, she is a dab hand at trying and creating new ways of doing things.

The paintings being exhibited reflect her flexibility, her ability to merge and work various media uniquely.

There are 4 mixed media paintings - a pair - Perfect Poise I & II;

Repose - a young dancer at rest

After the Dance.......a beautiful study in muted pinks, blues and greys

They are all reflective pieces......Bev had this to say about the collection:
Dancers are evocative of movement and expression...

Fighting crabs - a framed watercolour , presents the emergence of dominance

Artist: Trish Lang, BALLITO

2008-10-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Trish is one of those artists that never fails to surprise........from floral to nude to wildlife...she encompasses her subjects with passion, and insight

Two oils on exhibit... both capturing the very essence of Emergence in two very different ways....or are they?????

Out of the Darkness(800mm x 800m).....he suddenly apppeared and......disappeared as suddenly.....

Cocoon (800mm x 600mm) a nude with a different story to tell.....an emergence to an independent life........

Artist: Mabel Armitage - LA LUCIA

2008-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

There are few artists able to capture the essence of man.....in my opinion....Mabel is an artist well able to do just that!!

......though reticent to put into words that which she captures in her work...preferring the paintings to speak for themselves...Mabel had this to say about the 3 Emerging Musicians - all oils - that are being exhibited: - Special sound emerging from within your soul........now what else could actually be said??

Another painting being submitted - an oil - is that of The Masai Woman.................an emergence into Womanhood.....again Mabel has managed to capture a look in this woman's face that tells a story......

Artist: Jean Whysall - DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Jean's work is always as colourful, always as inspirational as her garden is......and though she has submitted four oils for exhibition - one in particular, Emerging Poppies (1000mm x 750mm) was painted with the theme in mind...

Poppies! My favourite subject - I love the way the new Poppies 'emerge' from their buds into glorious colour

Others on exhibit are:
Chinese Inspiration (410mm x 505mm) - a still life photo to follow - which is framed

Going Home (600mm x 700mm) - a peaceful painting which embues just that...the end of the day...going home; and

White Hydrangeas (750mm x 750mm) - a lovely soft study in shades of green, blue and white

Artist: Sharon Goulding, DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sharon has to be one of the most versatile artists around!! There are 3 oils being exhibited and each one totally different in style, colour and relevance to the theme.......

Two of the oils, Balloon Girl and Stargazers were works in progress at the time of the photographs being taken; but even in their incomplete state.....are emergent!!

Balloon Girl - 400mm x 600mm - representative of an emergent youthfulness, carefree and childlike.....those were the days...freedom at play!!

Stargazers -500mm x 350mm) a floral still life that is emergent in the sense that it's (florals) not something that Sharon often paints...and when she does, admits that she finds .....stretching!!

Working the Fields - 350mm x 300mm - an oil that Sharon is passionate about....emergence of my true self - this is the artist in me

Artist: AnnMaree Harrington, QUEENSBURGH

2008-10-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

There's a scripture often quoted from Corinthians that encompasses all that Ann Maree's paintings are!!............."The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.."

Each painting is reflective of her bubbly personality.....a love of and for .....all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.....

Of her oil, Flower Children - Goats Elite, she has this to say....
The Merino's are the greedy flower children; but they do serve!!!.....

Good Morning Lord - ...Ann has this to say about how she was inspired to paint this colourful Rooster and his wife marching out with confidence in the early morn....I was teaching Christian children and we had so much fun doing roosters who were waking up and saying "Good Morning, Lord!"

Two small; but interesting paintings in an emergent sense of their relevance, Tap- Bath Tap and Odd Tap will also be exhibited.........Taps, Water!! Water - life giving and cleansing...taps are really the most valuable implement in the home! (Bath Tap)....The Odd Tap sticking/emerging out of the garage wall was funny!!

The innocence of childhood is beautifully captured in Our Precious Ones.....'Their's is the Kingdom of Heaven'..this was in a magazine (a no!no!) but I couldn't resist the whole image....interest, surprising confidence and they're ours! They are our African heritage, Bless them!! ....the work was still in progress when photographed - Ann was busy creating forms of this continent which wander up the 'shades' of the painting

Artist: Colleen Barker, DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's great to have Colleen exhibiting on the Emergence Exhibition....guaranteed of canvasses awashed with colour and splendour.....

Colleen is putting 3 oils on :

Hout Bay - the place we'd all like to be, especially at the end of a long day......

Sea Scene, a rocky outcrop in a flurry of foam and water

Kaleidoscope - no bolder approach to a landscape!!!

.....and this is what Colleen so simply, yet comprehensively states about her work in relation to the theme:

My theme of emergence is the blending of colours in my skies

I love the way sky emerges in my paintings.

Artist: Gift Madziva, ROSEHILL

2008-10-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwean born Gift's unique ability to create art from scrap metal is nothing short of amazing....the fact that he has a picture in his mind as he sets to dismantle old engine parts, is an incredible process of emergence in itself!

Gift is submitting 3 framed metalwork/mixed pieces
- Sax - (finished size of 1370mm x 700mm) of this he has this to say....obviously a broken instrument... music once heard of....

Broken Pot (finished size 1900mm x 635mm) - a symbolic piece given the land of Gift's birth, Zimbabwe.....a land where the economy is broken...when making the broken pot, I had Zim at heart....

Torso (finished size 1400mm x 770mm) ....simply stated by Gift......the emergent splendour of a Woman's body

Artist: Michael Ralfe, UMDLOTI

2008-10-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Ex farmer Michael's love for Mother Earth is unswerving......his subject matter is reflective of how nature is a constant source of inspiration to him!

At the last SmArt exhibit, Michael showed a piece called Homebound, which I believe sold recently at an Exhibition at Sibaya. As a follow up, so to speak, he has painted Ngunis atRest(acrylic - 400mm x 700mm)Here Michael has painted a soft and dusky background which contrasts greatly with Homebound's stark white background....creating a mellow feel which he sums up in the comment : freshly emerged from a busy day, now quietly resting and chewing the cud.....

The other painting being exhibited, is a large oil - Buffalo Sunset (720mm x 1200mm) - awashed in glorious yellows, reds and oranges: ....and so they emerged from the bush, attracted by the magnetic sunset

Artist: JOZI (Jocelyn van Breda), DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

JOZI is back with colourful style and panache! Four oils will be exhibited, each one with an emergent, yet simple story to tell......

There are the two musicians (framed), The Violin and Cello Players (350mm x 350mm).......sound, the emergence of music....

The other 2 oils are: The Oval, 500 mm x 1000mm, something quietly different from her usual style of painting, which opens up another side of the Jozi we've come to know...is this an emergence in itself?....according to Jozi, it relates to the emergence of cricketing talent.....

The Roundabout, 700mm x 500mm, a happy, free picture of children
at play in a park.............or in Jozi's words.... the emergence of speedfreaks on TheRoundabout...sounds like the voice of experience?

Photographer: Emil von Maltitz, DURBAN

2008-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

To have the quality and style of Emil's work on show again, is exciting! He has been so very busy that I wondered whether he'd have the time to work on something for the Emergence Exhibition.
Unfounded concern, however as Emil will be submitting 5 new photographs and 1 other which has been exhibited before - Dune 45 through Branches (Namibia) ; but which now has a partner in subject matter and colour - Dead Pan Dunes (Namibia)...both representative of emergent space in a place where time almost stands as still as sound does.........and then there is Papyrus and Reflection (Caprivi) - the photo speaks for itself....

...and creates a link, through the incredible medium of water and light.....with the beautiful photos of the waterlilies - an emergence of life, an opening....

Artist Profile: Ilma Matthews, DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ilma has always been a keen supporter of the SmArt Exhibitions.........a hidden talent lurking beneath that hectic Mom exterior.......was completely unbeknown to me!!!

For a change, it was not me doing the approaching; but rather a rather nervous Ilma asking me to have a look at her work - She was completely overwhelmed at my acceptance for
the Emergence Exhibition......as was I at the standard of her work considering the short time that she's been at it...or so I thought....until I asked for a little background detail -and that's when it all made sense....

I have always had an interest in art, starting from my highschool days. While pregnant with my first child, I enjoyed a few art lessons in the evenings, knowing that my evening solitude would be non existent after babies! Now, after 8 years and two beautiful children; time for 'ME', is slowly becoming more possible. Painting is my way of switching off from the world and focusing on ONE thing for a few hours and not 10 all at the same time, (which seems to be the requirement for a mom). I encourage my children to use this medium too, as a way of expressing themselves, as it is very rewarding to create something from nothing.

Therein, I think lies the attraction to Ilma's style....It's expressive!! ...her emergent comments reflect that too..

There are 4 oils being exhibited - Lake Naverone -(top painting) 760mm x 505mm - An emergent quiet space, where one takes the time....

Paternoster se Winkel - (middle) 377mmx 760mm - a place of quiet retreat... and
2 small paintings (205mm x 205mm) - Red Hot and Sweet Peppers - For the Love of food and emerging flavours.....

Artist Profile: Nora Lemmon, DURBAN

2008-10-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of those moments when I'm not quite sure where to start and what to say .......so the beginning will just have to do!! Again, Nora is another artist featured on the Wippawool site, and again - another most enthusiastic response to exhibiting on the Emergence Exhibition.....I don't use the word enthusiastic lightly here....as you will discover as you peruse this and another post which will be dedicated to the photography she will be
exhibiting...Nora's resume is an interesting read - her interests and talents are diverse...the proof of the pudding they say...is in the eating....no doubt that the works shown here, confirm the theory!!

I have tried many different art forms over the years including pottery, stained-glass, photography and many others. Since retiring from a career as a school librarian about 8 years ago I have been privileged to enjoy experimenting with acrylics and various materials and textures and am always game to try something new or different. My experimenting techniques have lead to some interesting effects but have included the odd disaster that has literally gone up in flames. I have a great love for all of Gods creation but particularly for Africa, its people and wildlife and have tried to interpret this in my personal expression of artwork.

I enjoy photography as a hobby and have posted a number of my photographs on this webpage. As an artist I know how difficult it was when I first started out to find subject matter that is not copyrighted. I have been privileged to have access to a private game reserve on a number of occasions and have an extensive library of wildlife photos.

My selection of Nora's work and the responses she had re the Emergence theme, ran something like this :

This Thirsty Land I & II(top paintings) - speaks to me of where our land is at the moment, so yes
Our People continue to rise above the challenging realities of the lands' harsh conditions

Am absolutely in love with the Fish Eagle, speaks to me!!

The Fish Eagle - the hope of a successful catch. After applying the textured medium forming the rings of sunlight, a suggestion of the wing of the Eagle appeared and this then formed the basis of the whole idea of the painting

Sudwala - also something inherently 'emergent' there....without wanting to sound too lofty

Sudwala Caves - A source of great inspiration. A peep into the intricate details and lines of a footprint of the history of geography- a feeling of expansion and movement of the earth beneath our feet

Transkei Mist - yes, mist is evocative of an emergence....
Early morning mist rising through the valleys

Kentani...a road travelled – yes

One splash of colour on an otherwise dull and dusty road

Artist Profile: Jeannette Edwards, DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

I tracked Jeannette down through the means of another Art Website - often mentioned on this blog, Wippawool , and approached her to exhibit. Though Jeannette has been a visitor to the SmART exhibitions, I am delighted that she will be participating this time!!...

This intro, for info...from the abovementioned site

Jeannette lives in Durban and is a member of the North Coast Art Group, where she won the Group's Award for Best Painting in 2003. She enjoys both watercolours and oils.

She lived in London for a few years before starting a family and whilst there camped extensively round Europe. The varied scenery and galleries in Europe and the UK inspired her interest in art, but bringing up her two daughters took priority and it is only recently she has been able to concentrate on paintings. She loves depicting the beauty of the Greek Islands, having spent more than 10 years enjoying yachting holidays round the Ionian Islands. Travelling has made her realise how privileged we are to live in South Africa with its colourful abundance of wild life, birds and flora, and the awesome scenery. Being an animal-lover, and concerned that Man is destroying not only the environment but the animals we have been blessed with, has led her to try and capture nature through the medium of art.

Jeannette will be exhibiting 3 paintings and succinctly put into words, what she thought each one's emergent properties were....

1. ROMEO ARUM. - oil - 250mm x 450mm

I especially like the name of this lily - "Romeo" - proud and beautiful (and knows it!)

2. SPRING DAWNING OVER DURBAN NORTH. - oil - 250mm x 400mm

1st September this year dawned and I opened the curtains to an amazing sunrise.

3. EMERGING FROM THE ORCHID HOUSE. - oil - 750mm x 380mm

For an exhibition last year entitled "Colours of Life" I was inspired to paint the amazing plants in the Orchid House at Botanic Gardens.Trying to capture it all in one painting was overwhelming, so "emerging from the dust" of that work, I decided to concentrate on the beauty of orchids.

Artist: Sharleen Boaden, DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sharleen's bold, colourful work is always an eye-catcher on Exhibition!
Though just one painting being shown this time, it will certainly hold it's own!!

It's entitiled Sunbeams and unframed measures 910mm x 610mm . However, it has been beautifully framed!!

On asking Sharleen about the painting and it's significance with regard to the theme Emergence, she had this to say:

Sunlight is essential for plants to grow and growth is a synonym of Emergence. This painting symbolises that process, the plants here being roses which are "emerging" out from the sunshine . . .

....that's it, in a nutshell!!

Artist: Norma Akester, GILLITTS

2008-10-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since Norma last exhibited on one of my Exhibitions.....Needless to say, I'm chuffed to have her back. Her work is always of an interesting nature - there's definately nothing "twee" about Norma!!

All of her new paintings are oils...with a story to tell.....this is what Norma has to say:
There's Windmill (above) - with an emergent purpose of drawing that life giving source...water

Full Blown (Poppies) - relative to open blooms - it's alive!!

The set of Chrysanths - an unfurling and dropping of petals...

An Almost Desolate Place - a quiet, almost melancholic painting of an open space with a few emergent trees

Last but not least and perhaps with the longest story to tell, is the painting - Last Stand, Gillitts Bluegums - which when first introduced to this country, were planted in vast numbers as the properties of the timber - straight and hardwood - suited the requirements for props used in the mines......now, however, they are being eradicated as Alien Plants which are also too thirsty and draw too much from our water table. I took a photo of these last fews trees after driving around Gillitts in search of them......

Artist: Lesley Freeman - DURBAN NORTH

2008-10-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

To try and tie Lesley down is one heck of a job!!!...more so, to get a painting or two to exhibit - but thankfully, before she left on her trip to the UK, Lesley dropped off two bright, colourful florals.

As always, Lesley's work incorporates play on colour, light and shape....from the beginnings of a background of shadowy texture....emerging as a whole.

Both works - Blue Hydrangeas, an oil and Mass of Tulips, a watercolour - have been framed by SmArt.