14.05.2011

So it’s probably about time that I explain a little more about my style of Art and why I work the way I do.

Sorry this is a long one…

Firstly for some reason I am obsessed by paper. I like the smell of it, the texture of it and the crisp whiteness of it (I work predominantly on Ariston). This could be attributed to by my many years of watching The Office and the inspiration that is Michael Scott… but somehow I think not…

Next I have always LOVED the artistry of Textile Design (cloth and wallpapers). I was fortunate enough to do Textile Design and Art for 3 years at High School and it was pure joy. I would sit for hours and hours inking in the negative of the print (we used the old silk-screening method) and I think that’s where the bug for OTT detail first set in (I work a lot with Rotering Ink and Rotering Pens). I remember my uniform was permanently covered in colourful ink and paint, and I was always late for classes due to sneaking off to get some extra time in (i.e. I was a bit…uh.. weird). I’m ashamed to admit that I bunked the odd Guidance/English/Afrikaans/Math/Science (!) class to do so (my poor teachers). So I think this influence shines through a lot in my work (not the bunking, the Art!).

I love colour and unusual combinations of colour as well as black ink. But I’d have to say my favorite is white. I try use a lot of white in my work. I do this by allowing the paper to show through wherever white is needed (where possible) instead of painting with white (*see ‘Just Dandy’ and ‘Yellowtail’ as refs.). I get a kick out of seeing the texture of the paper in the white (guilty pleasures). And of course I love working with silver/gold/copper leaf as it tends to add a real ethereal quality to the work.

Then of course I studied and worked in Fashion/Make-up/Styling for a few years. I’ve been a MAC girl, a Fashion Buyers Assistant, a Stylist and a Head Designer (…a xmas present wrapper a holiday penguin-suit wearer, a film extra, a shop girl and a waitress…:0) so I’ve been through the ringer as far as the creative industry goes. These years definitely helped hone my eye and my approach.

Obviously my passion for Art and Design Theory played its part as well (I call myself an Illustrator because I work with pen and paper).

I’m a Christian (always have been)...

And I suffer from time to time with depression. So my art is real therapy for me.

All of these factors merge together to form the work I’m producing now.

I Hope this helps clarify things for those of you who ask “so what Art do you do?”

xxx