Reflecting
Artist Statement
Reflecting
In my heart was something that I needed to speak about. Discovering my sense of self in the new South Africa is a process that makes one feel vulnerable. With art I can articulate that which one cannot speak of. I metaphorically channelled this journey through the Afrikaner cattle and animal bones. By sterilising, dissecting, and selecting that which is useful, I work through my deepest thoughts and creative inventions. I revisit the past, attempting to preserve my cultural roots and fiercely embracing that which is dear to me. Bone represents strength, family lineage and the value of cultural heritage: all significant to the Afrikaner people. Transforming pure, white, sterilised bone into a different shape and colour speaks of transition As I worked with the bones it caught me by surprise when I realised how wonderful we were created by God from the moment of conception. The spiritual meaning of bone found in the book of Ezekiel reminds us of a message of restoration and hope. Through my art I can express my concerns and joys to stimulate dynamic interaction with an audience.
In my heart was something that I needed to speak about. Discovering my sense of self in the new South Africa is a process that makes one feel vulnerable. With art I can articulate that which one cannot speak of. I metaphorically channelled this journey through the Afrikaner cattle and animal bones. By sterilising, dissecting, and selecting that which is useful, I work through my deepest thoughts and creative inventions. I revisit the past, attempting to preserve my cultural roots and fiercely embracing that which is dear to me. Bone represents strength, family lineage and the value of cultural heritage: all significant to the Afrikaner people. Transforming pure, white, sterilised bone into a different shape and colour speaks of transition As I worked with the bones it caught me by surprise when I realised how wonderful we were created by God from the moment of conception. The spiritual meaning of bone found in the book of Ezekiel reminds us of a message of restoration and hope. Through my art I can express my concerns and joys to stimulate dynamic interaction with an audience.
Reflecting catalogue
Gallery
Contact
- Stoffberg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
About
With a father in the diplomatic service, it happened that I was born in Germany, baptized in Netherland and did part of my Primary-school years in Canada but also in the countryside of Mpumalanga, matriculated in Pretoria and studied Optometry in Johannesburg.
Art was one of my matric subjects.
In an art-competition for schools, launched by Sanlam with the topic ‘Mors-Jors', my entry received third price.
I practiced Optometry for 25 years in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
In 2008 I did an art-therapy course presented by Anel Smith from the Netherlands. I then realized that there was a void in my life and that I should focus my attention on my art.
I am a founder member of the Highveld Art Association which is also an affiliate of SANAVA.
Currently, I am doing my third year in BA Visual Arts at UNISA.
"Insignificant Death"
ARTIST STATEMENT:
What happens to man and his conscience in modern day society? Man is regarded as the custodian of the earth, but are we aware of the effect of man-made creations on nature and on our own well- being? The comforts we use on a daily basis like Wi-fi and microwaves transmit electro-magnetic forces that are hazardous to our health. These unseen dangers are perhaps written off as insignificant, but can have a negative effect on us without our knowing.
The greatest threat to birds and all wildlife continues to be loss or degradation of habitat due to human development and disturbance. As a metaphor for the unseen dangers and “insignificant deaths”, I am using the birds colliding with the glass windows of modern buildings.
Art was one of my matric subjects.
In an art-competition for schools, launched by Sanlam with the topic ‘Mors-Jors', my entry received third price.
I practiced Optometry for 25 years in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
In 2008 I did an art-therapy course presented by Anel Smith from the Netherlands. I then realized that there was a void in my life and that I should focus my attention on my art.
I am a founder member of the Highveld Art Association which is also an affiliate of SANAVA.
Currently, I am doing my third year in BA Visual Arts at UNISA.
"Insignificant Death"
ARTIST STATEMENT:
What happens to man and his conscience in modern day society? Man is regarded as the custodian of the earth, but are we aware of the effect of man-made creations on nature and on our own well- being? The comforts we use on a daily basis like Wi-fi and microwaves transmit electro-magnetic forces that are hazardous to our health. These unseen dangers are perhaps written off as insignificant, but can have a negative effect on us without our knowing.
The greatest threat to birds and all wildlife continues to be loss or degradation of habitat due to human development and disturbance. As a metaphor for the unseen dangers and “insignificant deaths”, I am using the birds colliding with the glass windows of modern buildings.
Insignificant Death
