fourwalls design

Pierneef at La Motte

2011-04-16T03:14:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Jakob Hendrik Pierneef's work! Currently the Rupert Museum is exhibiting the Station Panels. But the Rupert family has, as part of their permanent collection, a gallery at La Motte with exquisite pieces! The collection is truly amazing and documents the evolution of Pierneef's life's work.

I love the landscapes, the colours are truly amazing... When one travels through the African landscape at sunrise and sunset one sees where these colours come from.

But somehow I think the trees trump the landscapes. The simplicity of the monochromatic prints just do it for me! Treat yourself for lunch or breakfast at the Pierneef Restaurant in Franschhoek and enjoy these gorgeous pieces!

Untamed TRIO...

2011-04-10T22:25:00.001-07:00

The poetry that forms part of the Untamed exhibition is thought-provoking to say the least! Ian McCallum is a specialist in his field and very eloquent in what he says...

The Author of the building...

The author of the sculptures...

Dylan Lewis... untamed...

2011-04-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

As you know by now... I am a HUGE fan of Dylan Lewis's works. My infatuation started with the big cats, and the exhibition at the Rupert Museum was just exquisite! Here are a few images from our walk-about with Dylan, which was arranged through the Friends of the South African National Gallery, it was well worth it!

Dylan's hands are as expressive when talking about his sculptures, as they are when creating them...

I secretly LOVE this little sculpture of the leopard and the human... one day when I am big I want to own one! ; )

The wing man is my favourite... a bit reminiscent of Icarus...

This setting I think is quite spectacular! A friend commented that it reminds her of Lady Anne Barnard's bath, Lady Anne might have gotten a bit of a fright if she spotted this reflection in her bath though! For me it congers up a feeling of Narcissus. I read strong mythological connections in the work... but maybe that's just me! And I have to admit that I was not thrilled when Dylan started moving away from the cats... but now I have been converted and LOVE these sculptures! Thanks for creating them Dylan!

Untamed...

2011-04-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

Treat yourself! Go and experience the temporary "Untamed" exhibition in Kirstenbosch Gardens! It will be well worth it! The temporary pavillion was designed by Daffonchio Architects based in Johannesberg. I really like the rusted structure, it gives the feeling that the building is temporary, that nature will erode it untill nothing is left...

The exhibition comprises of three components, the structure, the sculpture & the poetry... The sculptures are by Dylan Lewis, whose work I just LOVE LOVE LOVE! And the poetry/writing by Ian McCallum who is an expert in his field! I bought his book Ecological Intelligence: Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature at the gallery shop and can't wait to start reading it!

The green wall is filled with indigenous plants in recycled 2L Coke bottles and are doing really well! I think the plants create a gorgeous wall to the structure!

We were lucky enough to have Dylan Lewis take us on a walk-about through the gallery and the sculptures located in the Gardens, but more about that a bit later! ; ) Enjoy the building/structure and the space for now!

TABLES ... and chairs I suppose...

2011-04-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tables, tables, everywhere and so much good food too! I discovered this gorgeous cafe at Nitida wine farm last week, what a find! They are open for breakfast & lunch, Tuesdays to Sundays, hmmm such a lovely setting for a Sunday brunch!

I love the new shed structure that has been tucked onto the existing building! I think it has been done really sensitively and simply, which is always a great combination.

And a true test of a well designed place is what the bathrooms look like. And with all the natural light & ventilation the design touches are superb! Especially the Ladies encouraging the girls to "Keep calm & carry on".

But my favourite is the mens... cautioning the guys: "Hardwork never killed anyone but why take a chance?" What a classic! ; )

La Motte, Franschhoek

2011-02-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous outing to La Motte in Franschhoek yesterday! Perfect weather, perfect setting, what more can one ask for? I think my jealousy was the same shade of green as the velvety lawn on the estate! ; ) Argh I would give my right arm and leg to live there!

I thought that the lady with the glass of "wine" was a nice touch at the end of the entrance road. Overall the service, from the lady at the gate house to the shop and restaurant staff, was very friendly and helpful. The experience left me with a warm feeling, proudly South African! And one could clearly see that La Motte was another successful Rupert endeavor!

time to be spoilt!

2011-02-05T08:13:00.001-08:00

I was spoilt rotten by my good friend Alta with a fabulous custom made wall clock! With her amazing design skills she aptly illustrated my daily routine with a bit of an overlap of the day and night... and an exception of "'n knip 'n uiltjie" around 3pm... ; )

This object of beauty has now joined my prized collection of Alta Stegmann art works! Thanks Alta, I LOVE it!!!

EAT@Altydgedacht Farm

2011-01-06T03:53:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Hope 2011 will be a prosperous, generous, healthy year for everyone! And going for breakfast or lunch to EAT on the Altydgedacht farmland is always a good idea any time of the year! My favourite is the salmon on rye with fried capers and cream cheese... hmmm hmmm hmmm.... And not to mention the desserts!

"Eat@Altydgedacht is a rustic day-time eatery, open for breakfast and lunch, Monday to Saturday. Experience the farm, sitting under the trees or inside the 300 year old building in the barrel room."

Happy HOLIDAYS!!!!

2010-12-21T21:18:00.001-08:00

This is the beautiful Christmas Emailer that my good friend Alta Stegmann designed for my architectural studio... If you buy the Shape magazine this month or next you will find some gorgeous illustrations done by Alta!

So here's wishing everyone a fabulous holiday... rest, treat yourself and get ready for an awesome 2011 filled with lots of love, health and prosperity!!!

birds on blocks...

2010-12-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

I LOVE these birds on the blocks... Hennie Meyer has evolved his squares to rectangles with the sweetest little birds on them... from Mossie, Jan Frederik, Cinderella Waxbill, Tjou-tjou, Bontrokkie etc. combined with beautiful nudes...

Could I have one of these too?

Please... ; )

The games people play...

2010-12-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

NAUGHTS & CROSSES! (by Hennie Meyer)

Beautiful blocks making up the naughts & crosses... from top left hand side:

Sol Plaatje (cross)

Annah Plaatje (naught)

Francis Bacon (cross)

Unknown girl (naught)

Roger Fry (cross)

Virginia Woolfe (naught)

Deaf man (cross)

Maria Callas (naught)

Swimmer (Daniel) (cross)

Virginia Woolfe (naught)

Maria Callas (naught)

Irma Stern (naught) ... in the Irma Stern Museum... If the previous post has not convinced you to go to this exhibition, hope this one will! ; ) It runs until 15 January 2011!!!

Ceramic Conversations

2010-12-14T22:07:00.001-08:00

An amazing wall of vases is the first thing that catches your eye at the gorgeous "Ceramics Conversations" exhibition! The vases are exquisite and actually hold water! ; ) What an beautiful installation!

Hennie Meyer & Clementina van der Walt perusing & discussing the works...

I love these bowls of sunshine, red earth, pastures and pools! It looks as though Hennie has just captured these elements and harnessed them in these stunning serving dishes! I want one!

And this old kitchen food cupboard belongs in my home! Who would not love cooking if they have such beautiful crockery? Even I would start cooking awesome meals!

And this item you have to see for yourself! How is it even humanly possible that that clay can look transparent? This vase looks as though it has small stained glass elements in it, but nope it's just glaze... and needless to say it is high on Hennie's list of FAVOURITES!!!

So go and see it! It just an exquisite exhibition and run's until 15 January 2011. And the venue is superb! Irma Stern's house is just and awesome experience... a window into her soul!

You are invited to...

2010-12-10T04:18:00.002-08:00

...an amazing Ceramic Exhibition by Hennie Meyer and Clementina van der Walt at the Irma Stern Museum (ph# 021 685 5686) in Rosebank!

Date: Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Time: 18h30

See you there!!!

Walking the Road (a temporary public art project)

2010-12-02T06:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the Friends of the South African National Gallery had a super "Meet the Artist" outing with Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe at Sea Point Promenade and we were... "Walking the Road".

"The Little Girl walks with her arms outstretched, dreaming that she could fly."

"Looking up into the sky she stretches her arms out even wider, knowing that there must be a way to realize a dream as clear as this."

"And then A Dragonfly! High above, truly soaring...... He is able to walk on air, to float weightlessly. He represents all that she has been dreaming."

"The Little Girl stops, gazes up into the sky and follows his every movement in amazement. Her fingertips seem to tingle as she imagines being able to do the same."

"But wait! The Dragonfly swoops down to her, hovering right in front of her... could he be asking her to fly with him? Could she have wings just like he does?"

"Oh! She must be able to do this! She must see this dream becoming reality! Without asking, she leaps into the air and tries to catch the Dragonfly, to grab him right out of the sky."

"The Dragonfly gives one easy flick with his wings, and flies away... high and out of her reach. He is free, a creature of the sky, and cannot be caught."

"The Little Girl watches in despair as the Dragonfly disappears into the heights of the sky, walking on air and leaving her far behind unable to follow."

"Heartbroken the Little Girl realizes her loss. A dream has come so close and offered an invitation to fly together was made so freely, all now seems lost."

"But wait! Could it be? Out of the sky a winged creature is approaching. The Dragonfly is flying so low it looks as though he is going to land, tight next to her."

"So close! The Dragonfly hovers right in front of her, he gives his invitation again. Come fly with me, dream with me! Let me know what it is like to be you and I will share with you what it is like to be me! Come with me!"

"Of course... The Little Girl realizes that she knows what to do. He is free to offer her all that he dreams, bit she, in freedom, is to do the same. It is her moment of recognition and true understanding. She stretches out her arms, one free creature to another."

"The Little Girl and the Dragonfly are side by side. But look! The Little Girl no longer has arms - instead she has four perfect dragonfly wings, two where her arms were and two growing out of her waist. The red V chevron of her swimming costume outlines the wings, like a border around each one. And! The Dragonfly no longer has wings - instead he has four perfect little girl's arms, fingers stretched out as they fly."

"It is the moment of almost walking in each other's skin, of profound understanding. A moment in which two journeys join together and two lives touch."

Louis Olivier sculptures...

2010-10-21T23:55:00.001-07:00

How cool are these life-size, maybe slightly bigger than life-size, sculptures that I saw at Grande Provence! They were created by Louis Olivier and are constructed from all different types of materials...

The man with the anvil head I think is made of glass fibre... but I might be wrong... forgot to take a picture of this one's title... Sorry!

However "Man Standing" is made of bronze!

And the "Chairman" ; ) is made of plywood with a cement base. I think these sculptures are just terrific!

Pretty cool chandelier...

2010-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Spotted this innovative chandelier at Grande Provence on the weekend. I think it's pretty cool and beautifully created!!!

some more ceramics...

2010-10-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pieces that I liked. Some are quite quirky! ; ) Above Nienke van der Meulen's Home coming Series 1 & 2. I love the shape, the colour, texture & detail!

These captured/caged hearts I thought were really sweet! They were created by Elza Grobler and are called Green, Red, White & Orange.

I liked the architectural quality of these City Lights by Carolyn Heidenrych.

This wild dog almost looks like a type of a Mickey Mouse with the large black ears. There is something about it that attracted me... "Meat" by Elizabeth Balcomb.

And then What can I say... I am a bit of a sucker : ) I just LOVE this dog of Rae Goosen's! It's part of a larger piece called Pie in the Sky, but the dog was just a absolute CLASSIC!

And to end off today's session, here are the organizers, selectors & judge! Enjoy!

National Ceramic Exhibition 2010

2010-10-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

What a FABULOUS wintry, grey day we had in Franschhoek yesterday for the Nationals at Grande Provence! And such an excellent collection of ceramic pieces! This Large Vessel 2 by Ralph Johnson won 2nd prize. One has to see it in person! The colour is quite tremendous!

This beautiful, raw collection (Untitled 1-3) by Bantu Mtshiselwa, won the prize under the category, first time exhibitor on a National. I just love the texture and colours, reminds me of raw bricks. What can I say... I'm an architect! ; )

This series is one of my favourites! I obviously have a bit of good taste, as the Clay museum gave Karen Sinovich a prize and bought the piece (Sea Air) for their permanent collection!

Then these pieces just fit together so well! The two jugs by Hennie Meyer & Earthship No.7 by Drury Brandt, it looks as though it could have been created by the same author!

Hope you enjoyed the images. Try and get to the exhibition though, it runs until 27 October 2010. But I will be posting a few images of the gorgeous gardens at the gallery during the course of the week! So come & check it out if you cant get there in person!

Dylan Lewis is taking off!

2010-10-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Eventually I have gotten my act together to get to Stellenbosch during office hours to visit the Dylan Lewis shop in the old Nedbank building diagonally opposite die Braak. And WOW WOW WOW! How worth it was the visit! And it is not a problem to take photographs!

I think the space is just gorgeous! Apparently they started with the renovations and the Dylan Lewis saw the raw space and instructed the contractors to leave it as is. FANTASTIC!

I love the shadows!

This white figure is one of ma favourites!!! now I cannot wait to go and visit the exhibition in Kirstenbosch!

deliCATessen @ Tokara

2010-09-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Had lunch at DeliCATessen yesterday and what a super spot! Good food, amazing views and what an awesome kid's play area!

I love the fact that the jungle gym has not got a single straight line... the swings & the slides are just GREAT! I also want to be a kid again!!!

And this "little" nest is just to die for! I also want one to hibernate in for the winter!!!

walking on the wild side...

2010-09-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

I go walking five times a week with my parents two Jack Russels. But imagine my surprise when I saw what was lurking in the shadows! ; ) A werewolf or a hyena??? Well fortunately it's only the long hair Jack Russel that turns into a little monster! I in anycase decided to have some shadow puppet fun.

Obediently waiting at the traffic lights until it's time for us to go.

1910-2010: from PIERNEEF to GUGULECTIVE

2010-09-27T04:18:00.000-07:00

Visited the South Africa National Gallery over the weekend and what an amazing exhibition they have running at the moment! So thought-provoking and inspiring!

This piece caught my eye as I am current attending Xhosa lessons. Thanks Brett!

Ndifunda isiXhosa! ; )

Flags in the sand...

2010-09-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

Another piece on exhibition at the Benesse House Museum in Naoshima in Japan. All the flags in the, including South Africa's (although it is the old flag... so the piece must be a couple of years old), have been created with different colours of sand.

Now for the amazing part... all the flags are connected at the back with little tubes for the termites to walk through...

they walk across the art work and gather sand to deposit into their own new little termite flag in the middle! Who would have thought...

Naoshima - Art island

2010-09-21T01:38:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to make a day trip to Naoshima, Japan on out trip in December. The island is littered with sculptures! What a treat! This sculpture is in the "park" at the Benesse House Museum desgined by Tadao Ando.

I just love this pic with the moon & all the holes in the sculpture. (Unfortunately it was getting late and freezing cold... so we never discovered who the author of the sculpture was...)

The jewel of Lusaka

2010-09-14T22:56:00.001-07:00

I have been fortunate enough to go to Zambia for business... and wow, what a gem I stumbled across... The Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.

An amazing design & awesome craftsmanship! Designed by Ian Reeler from Hope, Reeler & Morris and the structural engineers were Ove Arup (same company that was involved with the Sydney Opera house). I have to mention the contractor as I think the workmanship is just amazing, Harold Mitchell of H.K. Mitchell Ltd. It was commissioned in 1956 and completed in 1962.

As we all know "god is in the detail", even if it is the paving details with mirror the ceiling design! BEAUTIFUL!

The stained glass reminds me of the stained glass ceiling at the National Gallery in Melbourne, Australia. And apparently there is a direct correlation/relationship with the Coventry Cathedral.

One just has to LOVE Africa, it is full of surprises!

Vuleka 2010

2010-09-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

I was pleasantly surprised that my "self-portrait" was selected for Vuleka 2010 Art Competition at art.b in Bellville. The words on the piece are quotes from Emerson. Come & check out the exhibition, it is running until 19 September 2010.

Lost in translation?

2010-09-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

I went to Japan with my mom for a couple of weeks in Dec/Jan... and thought I would share these cool signs & graphics with you. As you can see the Japanese are REALLY polite and almost everything is beautifully designed!

Love the country and would go back in a flash! ; )

Making a bit of a splash!!!

2010-09-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well eventually I am back in Africa, and decided to make a bit a of a SPLASH at Kolmanskop's olympic size swimming pool in southern Namibia! ; ) Went on a road trip to Namibia and our fist tourist attraction was Kolmanskop. An amazing place with an incredible history!

The saltwater olympic size swimming pool constructed of concrete located on the hill.

And of course there would be a diving board for all those back & forward somersaults! ; )

Beautiful steel ladders going in & out of the pool.

Here is Kolmanskop Champagne was the same price as freshwater and it was always accompanied with caviar! Every house received a crate of lemonade & water as well as a huge block of ice every week. And there was a train that collected the ladies to go shopping, even though the town only consisted out of three rows of buildings! Agh those were the times hey! ; )

bunny season...

2009-03-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

the last supper...

2008-07-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

Last night we enjoyed a lovely meal at Sloppy Sam's in Green Point... seen as the "last supper" before I leave for Australia tomorrow! ; ) Sjoe I cannot believe it! So tonight it is the NEST exhibition opening and then tomorrow it is off the OZ! See you all back around the 28th!

shopping down under...

2008-06-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

...or most probably WINDOW shopping! Thanks to EVERYONE for giving me such great advice on where to go and what to see, ag I cannot WAIT!!! ...for Thursday! So here are links and some eye candy in the meantime... galleries, shops, recycled, sustainable, what more can one ask for! ; )

swatch #1!

2008-06-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

I received my FIRST fabric swatch from South Africa, which make logistical logic. And it is from...
Yip... from Jesse, and it is GORGEOUS!!! I just love it! Thanks Jesse! And now I am so excited to see what the others look like!

nest... a sneak preview...

2008-06-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

A sneaky preview of my favourite piece for the nest exhibition. You will have to come and see what it is and what it actually looks like!

nest...

2008-06-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

Come and enjoy a lovely cosy evening with us on Wednesday, 2 July 2008, at Curious Whetstone and Frankley. I will be exhibiting my bronze bunnies, Alta her paintings and Jesse and Heather will be the main features! ; ) Then there will also be some awesome soup and ceramic bowls making up the "soup kitchen". Come check it out!

fabric swap!

2008-06-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

Well I have done my printing for the fabric swap! It is "bunnies in plan view". I made a linocut and the printed it in two colour schemes. I like the grey option the most, and the design was not intended as a repeat pattern, but it ended up as one. So I kinda like it, it is quite subtle as the ears almost form a flower but then when looking close you can see it bunnies!

I have stuffed a few envelopes and will be heading off to the post office to mail the first lot! So hope you enjoy your little swatch!

whimsy!

2008-06-20T03:26:00.000-07:00

Alta Stegmann has done it again! Alta and I entered for the Daddy Long Legs Airstream Trailer Design... and Alta's WHIMSY design was selected! That is so so great! So apparently the trailers will only be here in a few months time. So when everything is done and dusted I will definately showcase the final product! In the meantime you can check out more of Alta's great paintings at CFW's NEST exhibition which opens on 02 July 2008.

info required...

2008-06-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

photo credit compot

I am off to Australia in PRECISELY TWO WEEKS!!! And I have to admit... I am very excited and cannot wait any longer! I will be attending the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Masters Class for two weeks. Then I am visiting some friends in Brisbane and then back to Sydney for another four days before heading home.

photo credit smac.pic
So if you are aware of ANY STUNNING places to visit in Sydney or Brisbane PLEASE let me know. These can be anything from bookshops (new or secondhand), art galleries, cool shops, amazing public sculptures - absolutely ANYTHING! Thanks for you input - it will be appreciated GREATLY! ; )
photo credit erik k veland

photo credit snelvis

neck warmer

2008-06-17T23:33:00.001-07:00

I got a lovely pattern from Presents Knits for a super easy neck warmer. The first two pics are from Presents Knits's blogspot, as my finished product did not photograph that well - but I LOVE it!
I bought two different types of wool from Orion Wool & Craft in Cape Town. The one type was the 100% bamboo and the other I just cannot recall at the moment. Then I raided my mom's tin of old buttons and was spoilt for choice! So now I have something old and something new, and love wearing my new neckwarmers! They are very effective a take up a lot less space than a full scarf.

happy happy...

2008-06-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday on Sunday! And I was spoilt! Thanks for all my pressies and thanks for thinking of me! It was nice to get all the birthday wishes. So let's see what this year holds... ; )

fabric swap!

2008-06-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit - Jesse Breytenbach)

This is a GREAT idea! - Allthough it is not mine! ; )
Here's Jesse's idea: "I'm going to make a quilt, of simple squares, and I'd like it to be as colourful and varied as possible. So how about a swap? I'll send you a 20cm* square of one of my prints, and you send me one of yours. Medium-weight fabric, not too thick and not too thin, with a handprinted design. Small enough to stick in an ordinary envelope.Just leave a comment, and I'll contact you for a postal address. (Make sure I can find your email address somewhere on your website or blog!) And if you don't already print fabric, why not have a go? Potato prints, lino cuts, silkscreening, stencilling....And then join in - go through the comments left here, and contact each person to arrange a swap with them. What do you think?
*7.8 inches "

I think this is GREAT! and I want to join in! So I have left my comment on Jesse's blog - but am continuing it on my blog. So if you want to swap with me just leave a comment and make sure I can get hold of your email address on your blog and then we take it from there!

Have a great weekend!

cecil skotnes

2008-06-10T23:37:00.001-07:00

I unfortunately missed the walk-about at the National Gallery on Sunday on Cecil Skotnes's work, but my folks went and told me a few stories... The photographs above are of his house and studio - I love these photographs - it creates such a intimate and cosy feeling. My folks were saying that apparently nothing in Cecil & Thelma's house was safe. When Thelma (his wife) went out to town, Cecil would start carving into one of the doors or into a chest - so nothing was safe from Cecil's hands and the house kept on being re-vamped by him! ; ) For your info I have included the discription of the artist below.

I really love these cats - they are so so cool!

So go for a visit to the National Gallery - it will be worth your while! Cecile Skotnes, Pancho Guedes and a beautiful african exhibition (but you are not allowed to take any photogphs at the african installation).

sit...

2008-06-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

We had to make mini chairs in ceramics class for the last THREE WEEKS! And this is the result thereof... the chairs could be famous or fanatasy. This then formed part of an exhibition at Rust en Vrede in Durbanville, called SIT, running until 26 June 2008.

I made a couple of Gerrit Rietveld's famous Zig-Zag chairs.

The clay museum is also at Rust en Vrede. There I got hold of a copy of Ceramics SA Cape Region Calender of events 2008, and I discovered that they had a photograph of my bunnies on the front! I was so so sooooo impressed! My bunnies with saggar grass blades are third from the top, second from the right. YAY!!!

sharks!

2008-06-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

This installation is adjacent to the Pier Place courtyard at Jetty Square. The artwork is done by Ralph Borland. I think the sharks rotate by means of solar power. I like the essence of the sharks!

These are successful as silhouettes too. Read more about the installation here - direct from the shark's mouth! ; )

Pier Place Landscape upgrade

2008-06-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

I discovered this really super spot in Cape Town. It has been upgraded recently. Can you spot the bronze sculptures vs the real life people?
I LOVE the sculptures done by artist Egon Tania. Really super!!! He is better known for his sculptures in wood.

The landscaping was done by Earthworks Landscape Architects. The whole square has a great feel and even on a Saturday afternoon there were people using it, which is great! It is adjacent & parallel to Adderley Street, between Thibault Square and the CTICC.

Colosseum Courtyard

2008-06-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

This courtyard was revealed to me when I went to Hennie Meyer's exhibition on the second floor of the Colosseum Building at 3 St Georges Mall. I just love the glass flowers! These were commisioned by the architect when revamping the building. I think this is a cool option instead of the usual planting. And the colour is all-round and just AWESOME!

The glass flowers were done by Red Hot Glass from Paarl. I love it!

hennie's exhibition

2008-06-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

I attended Hennie Meyer's Ceramic Exhibition at Clementina van der Walt's Gallery in Cape Town and what a turn-out! The space is gorgeous! (Tomorrow I will show you pics of the courtyard.)
This is more or less the exhibition that Hennie had at the KKNK, but it is now showing in Cape Town for all of us who could not make the KKNK.

This is my favourite bowl!

And this my favourite piece on the exhibition! (I am such a sucker for crosses...)

So go and check it out if you have time...
VEELVOUD/MULTIPLE by HENNIE MEYER

The A.R.T.Gallery

205 Second Floor

The Colosseum Building

3 St.George's Mall

Cape Town

Hours: Mon - Frid 10h00 - 17h00Sat. 10h00 - 13h00.

The Exhibition closes Saturday 21 June 2008

cell: 082 575 7969 / tel 021 419 2679 /

email : artbailey@netactive.co.za

daddy long legs...

2008-05-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

OK, I have decided to reveal my entry for the Daddy Long Legs Airstream Trailer open invitation. We are still waiting for the results - so hold thumbs! ; ) The idea is that they choose a couple of people from the entries received to decorate some Airstream Trailers that will be parked around South Africa for some self-catering accomodation. I think it's a fab idea and also love the boutique backpackers hotel with the same concept that they have in Long Street Cape Town. The "competition" has been arranged with/through the What if the World Design Studio.
So I went with the bunny theme - hope it's SUCCUSSFUL!!!

john skotnes sculpture

2008-05-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

"Mythological Landscape"

While trying to spot a sclupture that someone told me about (and I still have not been able to find...) I came across this sculpture in Thibault Square, Cape Town. I find it very interesting. It was put up in 1994, designed to celebrate diversity, by John Skotnes.

cape town - the gardens...

2008-05-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a misty but eventually beautiful summer's day in Cape Town! I spent it with my mom and dad, going to Rhodes Memorial for breakfast. Then we were off to the National Gallery to attend a walk-about given personally by Panchos Guedes. And then had a brief stroll in The Gardens and these red and white painted drums caught my eye. It seemed as though Strijdom van der Merwe might have carefully placed them there... a bit of land art.

And of course the squirrels are always present and very inquisitive!

pancho guedes

2008-05-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

What a turn-out! I have not seen an exhibition opening like this ever! So Pancho is currently 84 and very lively! Talking about the Republic of Eclectica, and a whole lot more...
I also like the National Gallery very much, such a nice interior with "skylights".
Pancho has a passion for art and architecture, and really integrates the two. See some of his art work below.

"This exhibition was originally commissioned and produced by the Swiss Architecture Museum in Basel from September 2007 to January 2008. Curated by Pedro Gadanho, it focused on Pancho’s extraordinary achievement in Mozambique, where he was involved in 500 projects.
A component of the exhibition, curated by Henning Rasmuss and Dagmar Hoetzel, introduces his work in South Africa, which remains largely unpublished and little known. It has never before been shown in South Africa or Mozambique, the two African countries in which he exerted enormous influence.
Born in Portugal, Pancho went to Mozambique as a child, but attended high school in Johannesburg and obtained his architectural degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. On leaving Mozambique he became Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture at Wits from 1975 to 1990. He was the first internationally acclaimed Portuguese architect to represent his country at the Biennale di Venezia in 1976 and again in 2006.
At a time when little attention was paid in South Africa to the aesthetic production of the African continent, Pancho tirelessly promoted vernacular architecture and the work of African artists. It is a privilege to be able to view the full retrospective of his oeuvre."

architecture & art...

2008-05-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the opening of architect Pancho Guedes's work at the National Gellery in Cape Town. Pancho will be there, and the exhibition will be opened at 18h00 by Professor Neville Dubow. Maybe I bump into you guys there...

And then...

HENNIE MEYER is having an exhibition and you are all invited to...

... join us for a glass of wine
at the opening of

VEELVOUD/MULTIPLE by HENNIE MEYER

on Saturday 31 May 2008 at 12 noon.

The A.R.T.Gallery

205 Second Floor
The Colosseum Building
3 St.George's Mall
Cape Town

Hours: Mon - Frid 10h00 - 17h00
Sat. 10h00 - 13h00
.
The Exhibition closes Saturday 21 June 2008
cell: 082 575 7969 / tel 021 419 2679 / email : artbailey@netactive.co.za

Happy 100 to me!

2008-05-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit : aperryz302' - flickr)

Today is my 100th post! I cannot believe it - but

"believe it, 'cause it's true"

(as Corne & Twakkie would say)...

So hope you guys enjoy my posts - and hopefully there will still be many more to come...

Jaco Sieberhagen ... trapped in history

2008-05-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

An exciting solo exhibition is taking place at the Johans Borman Art Gallery from 22 May - 06 June 2008. Jaco Siberhagen's exhibition titled "Trapped in History" looks very interesting, and I am going to try and attend the opening eveing on Thursday, 22 May 2008. All the art works are laser cut mild steel with a paint finish.

This is my personal favourite... "run [a] way slaves".

Verna Jooste ... scenes

2008-05-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

Verna Jooste also exhibited with Lene Tempelhof at art.b in Bellville recently. As far as I understand, she is also involved at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). She created these old fashion toys, where when you press the button on the bottom the whole figure collapses... except of course hers have been created in precious metals and stones...

"Die man van my hart"

I LOVE the shadows that these little gems create on the wall, it adds a whole new dimension.

"Up, up and away"

As Verna really wanted people to handle her work, the little girl's balloon came undone on the opening night. A pity, but I am sure easily rectified.

"The one, the only"

I really like her work!

Lene Tempelhof ... scenes

2008-05-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

This is Lene's exquisit work that is being exhibited at art.b in Bellville in the group exhibition SCENES. Unfortunately the exhibition closed yesterday. Lene is one of my bronze class lecturers. I really like Lene's mix of materials, which include bronze, ceramics, cement & wood.

The one above is one of my FAVOURITES! I really love the red colour with the muted natural colours. Really beautiful.

mom's birthday & mother's day...

2008-05-13T23:18:00.001-07:00

... all on the SAME day! So this is what I gave my mom...

Yes yes you guessed it! A few goodies from my bronze casting classes. Nice bronze flower earrings and a silver bunny necklace on a bit of black leather - it makes such a big difference to set the bunny off on the black leather than a light skin colour.

And I just could not resist to try the bunny on BEFORE I gave it away... so this is what it looks like - I think not all that bad...

Kevin Brand @ Bell-Roberts

2008-05-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

I went to the Bell-Roberts Gallery in Cape Town over the weekend for another walk-about with the Friends of the National Gallery. This time it was to meet artist Kevin Brand.

Firstly, I like what they have done with the gallery interior... a mix of the existing with modern elements. I think it makes for a nice gallery space.

So the talk lasted approx. an hour and every minute of it was very interesting! And it sure did not feel like an hour! And I could have listened for much longer! I think it is important to understand where the work comes from to fully appreciate it. Just look at the different scales of his work - really incredible. SO if you have time pop out to the gallery - it will be worth your while. There is also an interview with Kevin on the Bell-Roberts site, which you can listen to.

hennie's new brochure

2008-05-08T23:03:00.001-07:00

Here's Hennie Meyer's new brcohure, filled with all his amazing creations! He has also been commisioned to create some work for a hotel in Indonesia! Very exciting stuff!!! He has a small gallery at home from where one can buy directly! henniemeyer@worldonline.co.za

a new blogsite!

2008-05-08T05:38:00.001-07:00

Alta Stegmann has started her own blogsite! I am very excited for her and hope to see lots of stunning designs & idees over there! So check it out...

crocodile tears - brett murray (final)

2008-05-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the last installment of the brett murray exhibition. Still very tongue in cheek... But I really like it!

crocodile tears - brett murray (part 2)

2008-05-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

OK, so here is the second installment, a bit late... but nou ja. These are the seven deadly sins... Fantastic hairdos!

And then some nice gorillas in silk screen and cut-outs. I wonder who the inspiration was??? And who is indeed crying crocodile tears...

I snuck away...

2008-05-04T23:13:00.001-07:00

...to Namibia for the week! Ag and lost my heart on the desert again! Windhoek is the capital (and I worked there for about five years) but the rest of Namibia is just AWESOME! The landscape, the desert, the coast - really great!

Alongside the road just outside Swakopmund.

Die Mole in Swakopmund.ME at die Mole.

View of the desert form the jetty in Swakopmund.

The road back to Windhoek...

The best sundowners are to be had at Okapuka - approx. 30km outside Windhoek.

crocodile tears - brett murray (part 1)

2008-04-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Brett Murray is currently exhibiting (April 10 - May 3) at the Goodman Gallery Cape. They are located on the 3rd Floor, Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. Phone no 021- 462 - 7573 / 4, Fax 021- 462 - 7579.Yesterday I attended a walkabout arranged by Friends of the National Gallery. I found the exhibition very tongue in cheek, and with Brett's comments on his own work - very interesting and comforting for me - as fellow visual person. He is definately not afraid to invoke feelings in people! = )

This stunning shoe was installed in the bathroom, and a clue to the exhibition's contents.

These cut-outs are just amazing! The craftmanship is brilliant. And for Brett good craftmanship is very important - and I agree!

More to follow shortly - too many for one post - and the stuff is just awesome - but as he says - no need to say too much - the viewer will interperate what they need to...

a message on earth...

2008-04-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is such fun and SO beautiful! I came across this at how about orange. Send a geoGreeting written in the most unique typeface ever! The creator of geoGreetings is a grad student at the University of Minnesota. My love is an island? Have loads of fun!

rhodes memorial

2008-04-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Some friends came to visit from Namibia, and we did a bit of the touristy thing and went for breakfast at Rhodes Memorial. And I must say I just love this structure! The bronze sculptures are beautiful and the view amazing!

I also love the order that the columns create!

And then I can't quite make up my mind whether I like the rider on the horse more than the lions... I think I like BOTH!

so many exhibitions, so little time!

2008-04-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

With the exhibition opening of learners' work (Grade 10-12) & voluntary students at the Tygerberg Art Centre there will be a very nice Cheese & Wine (Tickets R20 at the door). They are located in Du Toit Street, Parow and their phone number is 021 - 939 9293 for any queries or directions. My mom is one of the drawing teachers there, and I took Jewellery Design as a subject there when I was in High School - it is a great school and worth checking out!

Then just down the road, at Bellville Library's art gallery art.b is SCENES, a group exhibition by Lene Tempelhof (she is one of my lecturer's in the creative metal casting class), Verna Jooste & John Skotnes. I havn't seen any of their work so I am going to be pleasantly surprised! Can't wait!

three blind mice... & more

2008-04-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

So here is my dad's collection of pieces, all the pieces were cast in silver. I think it in a really nice body of work.

These "three blind mice"will all become necklaces like the middle one. The middle mouse has been oxidized.

These two are cheesy mice, and belong on a nice piece of decadent cheese!

And then the best for last... a ring my dad cast in silver for my mom!

Bronze Bunnies & more...

2008-04-17T02:40:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday our Creative Metal Casting Class ended formally, but I will continue on an informal basis. We had a little bit of an exhibition of the pieces we had made during the course with a bit of a crit. Above are my pieces and next to mine, my dad's, which I will post tomorrow.

I cast a few more bunnies from the rubber moulds I had made last year. And then made a collection of indigenous orchids, which was a challenge for me. (However I will not be casting these for selling purposes, as the concept was Nic Bladen's, so if you like these please buy some from Nic! His work is beautifull!)

"Gold", Green and Silver bunnies!

The two bunnies at the back are cast from bronze, the green one has been patina-ed to achieve the colour. The front one has been cast in silver and will becoming a pendant in a necklace. The back ones will be mounted onto stands.

I am very thrilled with my beautifull flower earrings - even if I have to say so myself! = )

This pair has been cast in bronze and I really love the rustic earthy quality they have.

This pair, also made in bronze, has a green/black patina finish.

Tomorrow I will be showing some silver mice...

hennie meyer...

2008-04-16T03:38:00.000-07:00

@ the KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunste Fees)! Just a sneak preview of what Hennie exhibited at the festival. Over the weekend I will get some more pics and post them. I just love the versatility of the installation, as seen on the posters in the background.

alta stegmann

2008-04-13T23:59:00.001-07:00

I was pleasently surprised when I went to the Elle Deco blogspot and saw Alta's work featured! As you know by now... I just LOVE her work! She will also be exhibiting some of her paintings in July at the NEst exhibition at CWF in Observatory. But if you are interested in some of her digitial prints, you can always contact her at... alta.stegmann@gmail.com

party time!

2008-04-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had a LOVELY party, with LOVELY hostesses, in a LOVELY space! So I thought I would share it! The occassion... a VERY belated birthday party for Nicci and Mireille.
The place, Nicci's flat...

The snacks... Mireille's culinary delights!
Some land art serviette arrangements by Alta... = )
Ahh this looks familiar... one of Nicci's latest acquisitions... an Alta Stegmann! Looks awesome in the space.
And the drinks looked so colourful!

And some beautifull lighting to add to the ambiance! A good time was had by ALL! = )

HELP!

2008-04-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

I need some IT help... and I think this might be a very silly question but I don't know how to do this and am now getting tired of my blog contents not looking professional! = )

If I want to put a link into my text so that the person's name is only in colour/high-lighted and when you click on the name/word it takes you to the linked page... how does one do that? To date I have been copying the whole web address, it does the job but does not look great...

SO I would really appreciate it if someone can explain how to do that....

THANKS! and have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

choices choices...

2008-04-02T23:23:00.001-07:00

This blogging community is FANTASTIC! As you all know... on Saturday I went to check out the Flogging Art III exhibition at Curious Whetstone & Frankley http://fourwallsdesign.blogspot.com/2008/03/floggin-art-iii-continued.html - but here comes the cool bit... I started chatting to Michelle, who is one of the co-owner's, and she said I must put my name down for the mailing list. Then while I was takening some pics for my blog spot, this lady walks towards me and asks me if I am Janine, Janine from fourwalls? And then it turns out that she is Kat, as in Blackat from Anything Goes. http://kathblack.blogspot.com/ She saw my email address in the visitor's book and thought... what are the chances it's someone else... It was great meeting like that! And then of course earlier in the year I also met Denise from Freshly Found http://freshlyfound.blogspot.com/. This is just such a great community of like-minded people, that is growing by the day, and we are actually meeting in real life as well! really cool!

So now I have done it... I have committed myself to buy three Wildenboers... I just LOVE them!

more more more...

2008-04-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

Here is more of the cool stuff by the artist's exhibiting at Curious Whetstone & Frankley (all contact details of the artists can be obtained from CWF at 021 - 44 88 780)

... Jolene Kritzinger's jewellery... I really like the hearts and the fishes!!!

Tracy-Lee Lynch's paintings... I really like the layering in her paintings...

Very interesting, quirky and awesome jewellery from Fire Petals (see the business card below)...

Curious Whetstone & Frankley... continued

2008-03-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

So here's a bit more detail from the exhibition still on at Curious Whetstone & Frankley in Obs, running until 13 April 2008!!! Firstly Cornelius Lemmer's http://www.corneliuslemmer.co.za/ baby leg vases... Check Jezze's blog out for more pics http://jezzeblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/fat-little-baby-legs.html

And then some of Barbara Wildenboer's limited prints... Also check out this sculpture/installation done by Barbara in Muizenberg... http://fourwallsdesign.blogspot.com/2007/10/barbara-wildenboer.html

These are my absolute FAVOURITES!!!

Floggin Art III... continued!

2008-03-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

I must say that I REALLY enjoyed this exhibition!!! It almost felt as though I was in Wallflower (which has closed down), which in my eyes are a really nice compliment!

So Curious Whetstone & Frankley (CWF) are very proud to announce, that due to popular demand they are EXTENDNING Flogging Art III until 13th April 2008!!! This is great news as you should REALLY pop-in if you can. There are quite a few artists exhibiting stunning work, and IT's AFFORDABLE!!! = )

Cornelis Lemmer

Here are a few sneak peeks - I will post a few more pics during the course of the week, as I was very impresses and could not fit all my favourite pics in one blog...

Barbare Wildenboer

Jolene Kritzinger

Tracy-Lee Lynch

Fire Petals

Here are some contact details of some of the artists, but If you need any more info or details just phone CWF at 021 - 44 88 780!

the art of giving...

2008-03-28T00:26:00.001-07:00

I popped in at the wren http://thewren.wordpress.com/2008/03/27/japanese-wrapping/ and really liked the latest post. It's all got to do with Japanese wrapping. I love the one illustrated above... So check it out, I think it is a fantastic idea and so much better than paper!

Gussie v d Merwe

2008-03-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

More out of the latest House & Leisure... Gussie van der Merwe is one of the overall finalists in the Mr Price Competition with her beautiful salad servers. She is also the designer manufacturer of my stunning origami bunny necklace! http://fourwallsdesign.blogspot.com/2007/10/more-bunnies.html So all the best for the future... with these innovative beginnings it can only be a bright one!

NEED...

2008-03-25T23:08:00.000-07:00

This was our last coffee shop stop on our weekend tour, and one of my breakfast spot favourites... KNEAD! My personal coffee/bakery connoisseur agreed... it was the best coffee in Cape Town, and the breads were fresh and had the correct degree of crispyness! = )

Knead is in Wembly Square in the Gardens, and yet again... the logo is really cool, the cappuchino is great, the food is tasty, the service is friendly and efficient... and they have recently acquired a pizza oven. I have not tasted there pizza's yet, but that's a reason for me to go back again...

They make the most divine apple strudel!
And then apparently they have another branch in Muizenberg, a friend went there over the weekend and said the decor is really really cool on top of everything else! So go forth and enjoy food and drinks at KNEAD!

the loading bay

2008-03-24T23:19:00.001-07:00

Friends of mine came to visit this weekend, the owners of Vovo Telo Bakery + Cafe in Port Elizabeth http://fourwallsdesign.blogspot.com/2007/10/vovo-telo.html, and we went coffee shop hopping! = ) One of the places on our list was the Loading Bay (also featured in the latest House & Leisure).

I really like the graphics, and just love the "Blue Blood" name, it's the range of denims sold inside. They also sell really nice watches, I would not mind acquiring one, allthough the face of the watch is probably the same size as my hand! = )

So in short... the interior is well designed, the graphics are well designed, the service is good, the cappuchino & expresso are good. And I really like the concentric circles on the expresso & the heart design on the cappuchino. So definately worth a visit... The Loading Bay 30 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town.

I love the yellow to the underside of the light fittings, such a nice hue!

the book lounge...

2008-03-19T03:34:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I joined Jezze & Heather at the Book Lounge booklounge@telkomsa.net for a crafting session. It was really nice (allthough I left my knitting at home). But next time I will take my knitting along, as well as some friends!

I was a bit early and checked out some books... They have a good architecture section as well as art/design & the environment. As usual I wrote down a couple of ISBN numbers, to go and check on http://www.take2.co.za/ if they were available and how much cheaper they would be... and was I pleasantly surprised!!!

This is the first time where approx. 75% of the books were cheaper at the book shop than on the website! my usual experience is that the bookshops add a hefty mark-up, sometimes as much as 100%... So I will be going back the the BOOK LOUNGE to shop, without thinking that the books would be so much cheaper on take2.

They also have a coffeee shop, friendly staff and have been featured in the latest House & Leisure. Once inside it feels as though you might be in London. So go forth and buy books at the Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town!

Karen @ Kirstenbosch

2008-03-16T23:24:00.001-07:00

Karen Zoid performed at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts yesterday... and what a perfect day... what a perfect venue... what a perfect view...

When you take time to think about it, you just realise how beautiful Cape Town is, and that it is not a cliche... we have just been spoilt by the beauty! = ) And a day like yesterday at Kirstenbosch with sun (not a breathe of wind), gin & lemonade and rock and roll one just realises that you are very happy to be alive! And life is about living, not working... ; )

A bit of old & new...

2008-03-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was driving in the CBD pass Church Square, which is behind the Grootte Kerk in Adderley Street, Cape Town, and my eye caught this bridge. Now I have seen the bridge often, but never from this angle and I thought I was a really cool pic! The bridge links additional parking in the Cartwright Corner building to Mutual Heights, which use to be Old Mutual Bank/Building Society, which has been converted into apartments. Mutual Heights is probably my favourite building in the CBD!

my first attempt...

2008-03-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

I bumped into Nic Bladen http://www.nicbladen.com/ last year at the end of year sale of a few artists at their studio in Woodstock. We had a short chat and I told him that I was doing bronze casting classes. I still joked with him to say that not to worry as I won't cast flowers and other natural materials. He then said no I should try it, and so I did...

Needless to say that my specimens are not anything CLOSE to his exquisite masterpieces, but for a first attempt and my limited experience I am over the moon with these little gems!!! I am going to transform them into earrings and will so enjoy wearing these beautifull creations which I just immortalised! So thanks for the suggestion Nic http://fourwallsdesign.blogspot.com/2008/02/nic-bladen.html I am really enjoying the process, allthough not even close to yours!

here's an event to participate in...

2008-03-11T03:52:00.001-07:00

...it is an exhibition of prints... So I am sure there will be quite a few people keen to enter! I heard about this event through the Stellenbosch Kunsverening (kunsartstel@sun.ac.za). I must say the this organization is very good at keeping one informed of international art events, residencies, etc, and they have really good speakers at their talks. I unfortunately missed the Marlene Dumas talk, but as you know I at least attended the Dylan Lewis one!

OK now back to the event! It is the 7th Lessedra World Art Print Annual 2008 competition http://www.lessedra.com/annual.php?page=home. Get an entry form here http://www.lessedra.com/entry.php?d=form I have posted a few pics from last years exhibition...

drz architects...

2008-03-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

belong to Ms Nicola Drzewicki! (nicci@drzarchitects.co.za) Or she belongs to drz architects... Nicola, better known as Nicci, the owner of the company, studied with me at UCT. And we might even say that we are good friends! = )

So the other day I was thinking that I always promote Alta's graphics on my blog but never really any architecture. But then again one never really experiences architecture designed by your friends... unless it is their private homes. So I told Nicci to mail me a couple of her architecturally designed spaces, and voila! Hope you enjoy it.

The brochure is at the printers!

2008-03-04T22:14:00.001-08:00

OK, well we have our first guests in the cottage! They are staying until end April, so thereafter anyone else is WELCOME! We have also completed the brochure... designed by Alta Stegmann, and going to the printers this week...

So this is all very exciting, and now the marketing starts! = 0

I am honoured...

2008-02-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

...to be part of ezine 002!!! Congratulations Erin!!! http://designformankind.blogspot.com/ It looks really good and so inspirational! I just love it and am very honoured to be part of the second issue! I have the special place of being on the last page. = ) So check it out, download it http://designformankind.blogspot.com/2008/02/inspiration-e-zine-issue-two.html

and read it! It's GREAT!

strijdom van der merwe

2008-02-25T22:21:00.001-08:00

Attended Strijdom van der Merwe's exhibition opening on Saturday at Dorp Street Gallery in Stellenbosch. The concept is really interesting, and this is basically the preparation work for the installation of land art. The installation will be taking place at the Klein Karoo Kunste Fees in Oudtshoorn. So if anyone is there and sees this installation PLEASE take some pics and send them too me!!! As I find Strijdoms installations are awesome!

Strijdom has asked 45 South African authors to write some Haikoes, these are about the land, the people, etc, all in afrikaans. These will be displayed in the landscape as illustrated. I think it will be very powerful!

design indaba - streetwires

2008-02-25T01:12:00.001-08:00

Well this was probably one of the most interactive stands at the indaba! The kids loved it, feeding the sheep and sitting on the lawn. This was a great idea, and even I meandered between the sheep! = )

Dylan Lewis is my hero!

2008-02-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

Now seriously... Dylan Lewis is an AMAZING, PASSIONATE, INSPIRATIONAL artist! http://www.dylanlewis.com/
I attended a talk that he gave at the Sasol Museum in Stellenbosch last night and... WOW! First of all he is a really good public speaker. He gave us the same presentation that he made at Christie's, pre-auction, and wow! His inspiration, dedication and passion is so honest. He is such a craftsman, he relies on his skills and is extremely competant and perfectionistic. He does not adhere to trends, and what he is saying with his art is amazing! His link to nature and the wilderness is great and so critical for humankind in this day and age, more so than ever before...

I have been admiring his work for a long time (I work near the Everard-Read Gallery where they have a few of his sculptures outside), but after listening to him, and talking to him, his work has taken on a new life and meaning. I must admit I thought he would be a lot older, looking at the high standard of his work. A book has just been published on his work, which I really want to get a copy of.
http://www.parduspublishing.com/about.asp

He has also evolved from the cat form to the female figure, which is equally amazing. Like a true artist his work is evolving all the time, unlike some artists who become very commercial due to popular financial success, following a successfull recipe.

One thing that really excites me is that a passionate, honest, dedicated artist is being financially rewarded for his work! Allthough that also means that I might never be able to own a Dylan Lewis...

a first time... (spier continued)

2008-02-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Well I have to confess... yesterday I made rice for the first time in my life (at the ripe old age of 31 - "wat 'n skande")! AND I made bobotie from scratch - also for the first time. Now this is really a momentous occasion, as I don't cook, well I don't really enjoy it at all. But we were playing bridge at my house, so I have to make a plan for dinner... Unfortunately I don't have any photographic evidence of the food, but I at least had three witness, and I even received a few compliments! = ) And I must say it almost tasted as good as my mom's!

Ok, then as promised a few more pics of the actual gallery space at spier...

Follow the trees... to the gallery location...

I think the containers with the tensile structures in between create a super space. It makes it light and permeable - almost like land art!