ArtsPage 24 July 2009 Workshops, whales, arts and craft

If you want colour in your life and have a free day on Wednesday next week, 29th July, then you will not want to miss the full-day art workshop being presented by the inimitable Neville Hickman at Gansbaai. Neville is an old friend of ArtsPage, in fact he was the first gallerist to identify totally with its aims and the vision of Hermanus as Art Destination. Designer of that magic Whale Fest logo, a composite jester’s cap and whale tail which served for several years to brighten up our Septembers, Neville shared a studio in one of the Godfrey Cottages on the seafront. He’s still close to the sea at the 5 star Klein Paradijs Guest Farm where he is Resident Artist but his workshop will be at Paul Pretorius Décor emporium in Dirkie Uys Street, Gansbaai.



Neville says “If you want to paint ‘ lekker los en vry’, exuberantly in bright, vibrant colours, to use music as an aid to make you fly, whether you are beginner or experienced artist, come!” The cost is just R100 and you can reserve your place and get more detail from Paul 079 020 8295 or Neville on 083 961 9931. If you want to get your mojo working, try some new techniques and maybe pick up some tips, this workshop promises to be casual and relaxed as well as instructive. Take your own art materials if you wish to participate to the full.

Arts and Craft
The line is so tenuous; those who know can argue for hours on definitions; what is art, what is craft? And does it matter? In the end you will just have to decide for yourself. Have a look at Wilina Drijfhout’s stained glass on her new website www.glasfeetjie.com. Or visit Lara Levey at Mila Mosaics in the newly-opened “passage” (that must be pronounced the French way) from High Street to the backdoor of Chilli Pepper. We had a buzzing, candle-lit party a week or two ago to launch the venue. There is a competition to choose the name and I am fully expecting to win the prize which is, I understand, some bottles of premium Port. Just right for the colder weather.
One of the shoplets in the quaint passage is a mini-gallery showing superb whale studies. The photographer is Dave De Beer who is also known for his wildlife and bird prints.

Kalfiefees
Supported by this newspaper, the Kalfiefees, (the annual dramatic challenge by Onrus to big brother Hermanus’s Whale Festival) is on from Thursday 6thAugust to Sunday 9th. Even if your Afrikaans is rudimentary, you will enjoy the music offerings and there is comedy - Tickle to Fine Leg, and drama/humour - David Butler giving us some authentic Herman Charles Bosman, both in English. I have not had news of fine arts exhibitions but The Mission’s House gallery in De Villiers Street always mounts a special show at Fees time.

Do keep your news and comments coming to me at niblos@telkomsa.net.

SKETCH - GALLERY LA MAREY

It was exciting, in May, to see a glossy new gallery opening in Marine Square on Mitchell Street. Now owners Rey and Marie Muller are getting ready for their official launch, by invitation only, in a week or two. Chatting to Rey, who has a background in broadcasting, I learned that they are no strangers to the art world, having a similarly-named gallery in Somerset West and one opening shortly in the Strand (where they previously were for seven years.) The picture they sent me for this sketch is a work in oils by Olga Hoffman entitled “Blouberg”.



Hoffman is part of a line-up of artists which La Marey represents, including Anna, Elzette Welgemoed, Janette Dykman, Tersia Duvenhage and Paul Schone. Paul will be at the gallery on Saturday 8th August to give a demonstration of his painting. In addition to works by the named artists, the gallery has a range of art not usually seen in Hermanus and they are proud of their bronzes by Gary Gordon and Xhanti Mpakama. There is a comprehensive offering of frames and also selected antiques to complement the art works. New local artists are not being overlooked; conscious that our Overberg artscene is vibrant, they plan to make space for artists whose work meets their criteria.

While either Marie or Rey will be on hand four days a week in peak season, the gallery will be staffed by Maryn who has retail experience in addition to a fine art training and Gamene who has also been involved in tourist accommodation and guest houses. They believe that their gallery and other new ones will help Hermanus on its way to achieving a similar status to Clarens in the Free State which tourists visit with art in mind. And the tourists are on their way, says Rey. “The World Cup will offer an even bigger slice of the pie with every tourist that lands in Cape Town, visiting Hermanus.”

ArtsPage 3 July 2009 Twenty-two to one

One doubtfully-attributed painting– in this case, a “Rembrandt” – was replaced by twenty-two other Dutch and Flemish paintings of the Golden Age when the arbiters of the day expressed concerns about the painting’s authenticity. It was the leading work in a collection (now housed in The Old Town House on Greenmarket Square) acquired in England by Max Michaelis at the turn of the last century and presented to the City of Cape Town. Mr Michaelis was later presented with a knighthood. Which is not as good as a baronetcy but nice to have if you move in London Society.
I was reminded of this tale by a reader who responded to my last column about fakes and forgeries. The work in question, “Young Lady holding a Glove” now graces the Irish National Gallery and is described, safely enough, as “School of Rembrandt”.

Frans Claerhout (1919-2002)

Sometimes I am surprised that anyone risks buying one of the often sentimental works by this prolific artist and man of the cloth. Born in Belgium, he came as a missionary to South Africa and stayed. His earlier works had a certain quality of freshness and the SA National Gallery acquired a couple in the ’60s. The artist revealed in 2002 that a Bloemfontein dealer he had known for many years had printed hundreds of copies of his work and sold them as originals. Scandal!
A local gallery owner told me of a client who, several years ago, brought in three “Claerhouts”. One he intended to keep and the other two were to be offered for sale though the gallery. He had just bought them at an auction, he said proudly, “at a very good price.” Alas, although the signatures looked familiar, the works themselves were of a very different style to Claerhout’s. The crisp advice he received was to take them right back to the hall and cancel his cheque.

Seller beware?

“Never mind ‘caveat emptor,’ it’s the seller who should beware’ said a caller the other day. He was worried that pushy buyers of art might take advantage of little old ladies who happened to have a painting by Gregoire or other bankable name on their walls. Made me think of the stories of hard-as-nails dealers who scoured the Platteland in the fifties and sixties, offering brand-new Formica kitchen tables (AND six matching chairs!) for simple country folk’s ancient yellowwood pieces, usually covered in layers of enamel paint. “What do you recommend the old ladies should do?” I asked. “Always get a second opinion” he replied. Seems sensible to me.

Derrick Benzien of Onrus Gallery and a regular advertiser to buy South African masterworks, explained how he responds to enquiries. He offers an evaluation service and then three options; one figure if the owner wants to sell outright; a sale on consignment basis with a higher price and an agreed commission to be deducted; or a sale at auction through his new Whale Rock Auctioneers – for the sellers who can afford to risk a bit in the hope of maximizing the return.

It is a good idea, no matter whether you are selling art or objets or collectibles, to find a dealer in that field to give an opinion of worth. If you can get the item correctly identified and described, you are half way to getting a correct price. And of course there will be a difference between what you are offered and what the dealer will mark it up for sale.

Art Courses



At 11 Sherwood Avenue in Onrus is the studio of Pieter Vermaak, local artist and art teacher. No fakes or forgeries here, just an enjoyable time with a congenial teacher. The most recent three-day course finished yesterday. My picture shows Pieter and his students with popular model Rosie in the centre. You can reach him on 082 460 2959.

Keep you news and views coming to me at niblos@telkomsa.net.

SKETCH - UWE PFAFF

Self-portrait with school of thought going through my head


It’s a distinctive name for an artist in South Africa. Useful, if you intend to market your art properly. Uwe says he’s not that good at marketing himself. This is surely just modesty because he has a slick website www.uwpfaff.com and his dry sense of humour, enthusiasm and no-nonsense approach make a winning combination.

I knew him by his stainless steel sculptures, highly polished with a microns-thin nickel coating, pierced like an oversize jigsaw puzzle before the pieces fit together; positive metal and negative black space. The themes are figures, fish, any symbol that fits this inventive artist’s mindset.

His designs are hand-drawn, converted to computer and flame-cut from sheets of stainless steel. The larger pieces are limited editions of 5 to 7, the smaller figures run to 12. Finishing is a personal matter – time-consuming, effortful but satisfying for the artist who is reluctant to delegate this chore. I mention Damien Hirst whose works are largely constructed for him. Uwe is unimpressed. For him, the polishing process bonds him more closely with each piece. He would like his sculptures to catch the eye, to talk to you and to provoke response.

A mechanical engineer by training, Uwe (pronounced Oo-vay) came to this country from Germany in 1970 and worked in industrial design. Five years later he took his first painting and sculpture classes. Later, after time at the Ruth Prowse School of Art in Woodstock, he was selected for the 1982 Cape Town Biennale, with both an etching and a sculpture in soapstone. He has also worked successfully in wood, paints, ceramics, Perspex and glass as well as metal.

“My ‘metal pictures’ have done well for me” he says. He has even explored their ringing tones when struck - the search and experimentation urge is built into this man for all seasons. “Many artists have become expert at a tangent of their creativity but the formula that works becomes the monkey’s paw in the bottle of their own growth.” Painting is due for a come-back, he feels. Bold colours and primitive symbols are calling to be put down on paper again.

Uwe has his studio at Stonehaven, artist Gail Catlin’s atmospheric lodge above De Bos Dam. The lovely rambling stone house was threatened by fire recently but survived after some tense hours. I would be surprised if elemental fire-blackened objects do not find an echo in Uwe’s work somewhere.

His sculptures are sold internationally but you will also find them Cape Town; in Hermanus, Walker Bay Art Gallery has a display of representative pieces. Works have been acquired by the Friends of the SA National Gallery, and for the Sanlam, Sasol and Rand Mercant Bank collections, among others. Perhaps we can persuade him to have an exhibition soon. Hermanus needs to see more of the varied art of Uwe Pfaff.

ArtsPage 19 June 2009 Let the buyer beware…

“A little learning is a dangerous thing;/Drink deep or taste not the Pierian spring:/There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,/And drinking largely sobers us again.”
So said Alexander Pope (1688-1744) and I am not going to disagree. Particularly when it comes to art and spotting something that is not quite “right.” You really do need a lot of learning. There is simply no shortcut to checking an artwork’s authenticity if the artist is not around to verify it. Provenance becomes vital; how did the work reach you, who were the previous owners, has it passed through the hands of a reputable dealer or auction house? Appearances alone can be deceptive – perhaps even intended to deceive.

Fakes and forgeries

When an artist’s work begins to command high prices, there is often a temptation among the less scrupulous to cash in on the less knowledgeable. Or the greedy. Or the gullible. We want so badly to believe we have discovered an overlooked masterpiece that we ignore the obvious warning signs. If you are going entirely on the name, you may lose out. After all, the best artists have off-days and their lesser works are never going to be worth top dollar. Local expert Hennie Niemann says, “Buy a good painting, not a good name; then, even if it is not by whom you think it is, you still have a decent work to enjoy.”

Where do fakes come from?

Someone who has a talent for copying may decide to reproduce a picture or make a painting in the style of an established painter and add the required signature. A quicker way is to discover an authentic painting, perhaps a bona fide student’s copy done to practice technique, perhaps a work by another artist in a similar style, and forge a signature. In a few cases, the picture may be authentic but the artist, for reasons of his own, may not have signed it. Then the temptation is strong to add a signature and increase the value. Alas, if discovered, it has the opposite effect.
With lithographs, the work may be essentially identical, just an edition number and signature is added. I am referring to contemporary fakes of contemporary artists – when it comes to Old Masters, the game is upped and there are technical ways of checking the composition of canvasses, paints etc and processes like x-ray and spectroscopic examinations may be employed.

Tretchikoff under the spotlight



“The Lost Orchid”, an oil by SA Master Vladimir Tretchikoff , (illustrated) was sold for R3,2million at the much-hyped Brett Kebbble Auction last month in Johannesburg. Doubts have been cast on its authenticity and the auctioneers are remaining non-committal until their expert, a professor from the University of Pretoria, has given an opinion. Members of Tretchikoff’s family are being consulted, too. Undoubtedly the provenance will be closely checked, as well as comparison of the brushstrokes and signature against any other reproductions of the work in books of reference. There is a lot at stake.

Domsaitis (1880-1965)



Pranas Domsaitis (his Lithuanian name) was born as Franz Domscheit in East Prussia and came to SA in 1949. Already established as a painter with German Impressionist/Expressionist influences, his works were often religious and , in SA, moody Karoo landscapes, with occasional flower pieces. He tackled the same subject repeatedly and at his death there were several hundred works of varying quality and completeness in his studio. It was rumoured that his wife arranged for the finishing touches and even the signatures on some works as dealers were offered canvasses with moist paint several years after his death.

The illustrated painting, which cropped up some years ago in an auction house catalogue, was spotted by the eagle eye of Hennie Niemann as being an identical copy of an oil in the SA National Gallery –“Stormy Landscape.” A late work, the whirling crowds were described as symbols of the human spirit, contrasting with the two houses, symbols of life on earth. The National Gallery had issued prints of this work so Niemann was able to compare and note the uncertain treatment of the clouds and the doubtful signature; he drew this to the auctioneer’s attention and the work was not offered for sale.

I am indebted for this tale to Mr Niemann, a partner in the Onrus Gallery and acknowledged for his experience, particularly in respect of local artists like Gregoire, Wallace, etc. And as I have a work by Domsaitis, almost indistinguishable from one sold at auction some months ago in Cape Town, I am debating whether I should let him pass judgment on it. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.


The future of fakes

Sad thing is, once a fake/forgery is identified, a reputable auctioneer will quietly withdraw it from sale and return it to the owner. It is not destroyed or indelibly marked FAKE so, after a while, it will probably appear in a small town sale and seek another willing innocent buyer. There it will remain, for years, perhaps decades, until the heirs of the owner (who may even have fought over the “famous name” work) again offer it for sale.

Claerhout, Pierneef, Gregoire Boonzaier, Tinus de Jong, even Nelson Mandela – anyone whose work is attracting high prices, distinctive and not too difficult to copy, may have admirers who wish to relieve you of your art money. So do take expert advice in private deals or buy from a reputable dealer - and remember the golden rule “If it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is…” Caveat emptor!

If you have any personal stories about art fakes, let me know at niblos@telkomsa.net.

SNIPPETS

• The Mission’s House Gallery, Onrus, will reopen on 27th June after their winter break.

• Whale Rock Auctioneers held a successful fine art, carpet and collectibles sale on 6 June at their Hermanus rooms. Noted Cape Town auctioneer Kenny Finberg held the hammer and the highest price of the day was for a Hugo Naudé seascape.

• Mila Mosaics, (owned by Lara Levey who shared her expertise for the exciting murals at Enlighten Trust), is moving 1 July to the funky new courtyard at 3 High St between Melony’s and Haute Rizelle – or you can enter through Chilli Pepper at 10 Mitchell Street. Art, mirrors, mosaics and craft material.

• The SA Art Information Directory 2009 is now available – R169 from info@saaid.co.za or call 021 424 7733. A cross-country list of galleries and art events. Compiled by the publishers of the splendid SA Art Times, free each month at selected galleries.

• Bonhams’ next SA art sale is in London, 13 & 14 October – contact Penny Culverwell on 011 783 1813 or sapictures@bonhams.com.

• Stephan Welz/Sotheby’s are inviting consignments for their Cape Town sale, 20/21 October. SA paintings, furniture, silver and ceramics. Call 021 794 6461

ArtsPage Friday 5 June 2009 - Drums of Africa

Oh the excitement! My mailbag was overflowing this fortnight as readers e-mailed me (and my editor) commenting on the ArtsPage and on the art scene in our area. And not a single letter from “Disgusted” of Sandbaai. Well, I must be doing something right. Or not, depending on your standpoint.

Getting to know about art

Certainly the galleries are feeling the winter pinch and even the most forbidding will be pleased if you drop in. To build one’s art knowledge, there is no better way than to browse regularly at our better galleries. Start at Abalone where you will find the newly-hung series of Cecil Skotnes woodcuts dating from 1976, available individually in simple frames – he captured Africa in bold and idiosyncratic forms and colours. Check out what the galleries are offering. We have a glorious range from classic to kitsch. Exposure will train your eye and mind to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Grande Provence

To Franschhoek on Sunday in the company of Karen McKerron, 18 years a leading gallerist in Johannesburg and now living an art-surrounded life in Eastcliff. Franschhoek is out of range of the ArtsPage but I like occasionally to mention it to alert our galleries; there is the lingering threat that the pretty wineland town could overtake Greater Hermanus as Art Destination if we do not get our message across by joint marketing. They have a superb sepia brochure , just a one-page A3 sheet, but stylishly presented and showing a diagrammatic art route surrounded by pictorial advertisements. Where we have whales, they go for the French connection with food, book fests and music.

Maritz and Dhont



We were on our way to see Jacques Dhont’s eco-sculptures and Nicolaas Maritz’s enamels on board, at Grande Provence’s lofty exhibition space. A treat, and on show till 30 June. According to Dhont, his powerful sculptures of woven wattle bark are portraits of contemporary life: reflections on modern man as a scavenger; the relentless passing of time - forewarning about man’s troubled relations with nature. “The Earth has become an island prison where man may be concerned and become extinct because of a terrible lack of insight, energy and effort.” In the context of this environmental catastrophe, the sculptures seem quaint and nostalgic: a tribute to human folly.


Maritz is an established artist with works in most of the major national collections. His landscapes are stylized and his large abstracts hint at musical rhythms. The works of sculptor and painter work well together, their earthy tones resonating in the airy gallery. In opening the show, Catherine Du Toit said that what she personally admired in both Nicolaas and Jacques was their indomitable spirit, their commitment to their own artistic vision. “They are not driven by commercial, political or sociological objectives. They make art, not ‘documentary evidence’ as Nicolaas puts it, because it is in their nature to do so.”

Recycled dreams



Izibini Life Lounge is the name of the quaint studio on Voëlklip’s lower Main Road ( 10th Street). It occupies the premises known as the Old Post Office and was, in a subsequent reincarnation, a popular steakhouse. Now outside on the pavement you will spot weird and wonderful artifacts made up of scrap iron, driftwood, the detritus of our modern world. It is the passion of the owners, architecturally-trained “AD” Strydom and artistic Yolanda, to take unconsidered trifles and add their magic touch to create pieces of decorative art. The circular mirror fragment is set in an angry sunburst of metal – octopus-like; the chandeliers of white-sprayed found objects; the distinctively-backed barstools – you will recognize them when you see them. And the braziers, whether you call them braai drums, patio warmers or good old konkas will be a talking point. No concession to “Beach Palace Interior” design, the items are rawly honest. Not for the fainthearted!
But hey, they also serve good cake and serious coffee so if you think this is Baghdad Café come to Hermanus, you could be on target. The “second life” they give to their objects is vibrant and distinctive and very much of Africa.

Another Gallery?

Well, almost. It is the spacious auction rooms of Whale Rock Auctioneers at Adam Street, Hermanus Business Park. When they are not actually displaying their items for auction, (and the next art, antiques and collectibles sale is from 10h00 this Saturday), there will be a changing display of artworks on show. The catalogue for tomorrow’s sale is on the web at www.whalerockauctioneers.co.za.

Remember that your news and views are always welcome at niblos@telkomsa.net.

ArtsPage 22 May 2009 The expanding pond

A busy fortnight it has been, what with the much-hyped Brett Kebble Sale in Johannesburg (R55 million and some important Irma Sterns still to sell) and the Sotheby’s/Welz sale on 26/27 May at Kirstenbosch. But let us not lose sight of the ripples in our own expanding pond, there are plenty of local happenings to share with you.

New galleries.

Even this chilly economic climate cannot keep the artistically-optimistic from opening galleries. A warm welcome to La Marey in Marine Square, that glamorous new development between Mitchell and High streets in Hermanus. Rey Muller and his wife Marie have a gallery (also La Marey, no prizes for guessing where that name came from) in Somerset Mall and another one opening in the Strand next month. The aim is to provide something for all tastes and they are happy to talk to local artists and ceramists about representation. Maryn Burger and Gamene Simes are the two young ladies who will look after the gallery with Rey in frequent attendance.

The other new opening is a town-centre relaunch by the well-known gallerist Cobus Kershoff of his gallery “4 Art Sake”. He is now in Royal Centre - the little square alongside Kentucky Fried - and his offerings of selected artworks go right up to the ceiling. There is not room to swing more than a very small kitten but cheerful Cobus feels his artspot is correctly positioned and he looks forward to greeting his old clientele and catching the passing trade, too.
When Walker Bay Art Gallery started up in Main Road, the owner Francois Grobbelaar said, in response to an enquiry whether there were “too many galleries” in Hermanus - “I would be happy if the whole road were filled with them!” Spot on, Francois, you know all about Clarens in the Free State and how it attracts visitors as an Art Destination; that is where we are headed, too, if our galleries want to co-operate.

Classes and crits

At Overberg Art 27/29 May or 3/5 June, you can participate in a three-day Art Retreat led by Hettie Saaiman, artist and art teacher, who will enable you to create your own flower composition using acrylics on canvas. Maximum of eight per course and lunches at luxurious guesthouse Selkirk House are included. Check with Corrie on 082 477 9192.
Shelley Adams is offering a crit class entitled “Colour Connections” on Monday 1 June. Call 072 677 6277.
Fred Rousseau presents personalized art classes for all levels at The Art Shop, Tuesday or Thursday mornings. Call 072 431 9124.

Framing opportunity

Still one more week to take up the winter discount framing offer at Frames for Africa, The Framery/Onrus and the Mission’s House Gallery. The coupon with details was in the Hermanus Times of 8 May. As my artistic friend Cecilie says, “Walala wa sala”. (If you snooze, you lose.)

Mosaic

“A form or work of art in which pictures are produced by joining together minute pieces of glass, stone etc. of different colours”. My Concise Oxford gives the derivation from the Greek mousaikos – “of the Muses” which is a pretty concept. The muses are well represented in mosaic on the walls of Enlighten Education Trust Centre’s smart new building in Swartdam Road – the panels were done under guidance from Morag Swanepoel with Lara from Mila Mosaics, the specialist craft and art studio in Mitchell Street.
What an excellent way of bringing vibrant art into the lives of all who pass. The official unveiling is at 16h00 on Thursday 21 May.

And at Onrus Gallery, mosaic in the form of textile art is on display. A splendid quilt “Carnival in Rio” created by Kathryn Celliers-Louw, it was awarded a first prize at last year’s National Quilt Festival. The medium : 400 blocks of hand-dyed cotton embellished with cotton prints embossed with gold metallic thread and beads. The effect: breath-taking.
This artwork was recently used as illustration for a local lecture on colour and the students suggested it be put on display. It will be shown at the gallery for two weeks.

Creation

You would expect a splendid new cellar, tasting room and restaurant which carries the name Creation to have some striking art. Enthusiastic co-owner Carol Martin showed me the impressive works she commissioned from local artist and gallerist Leon Müller and the intriguing fibreglass, steel and paint sculptures of Brendon Cahill and the glass works of Jeannette Unite which are for sale. 18k up the Hemel en Aarde Road -

Cecil Skotnes (1926-2009)



Abalone Gallery is mounting “Homage á Cecil Skotnes”, opening on Saturday 30 May at noon. This seminal artist with his synthesis of European Modernism with an African idiom, used distinctive incised wood blocks and woodcuts as well as oils. He has left a powerful legacy, both in his prolific body of work and in his influence on South African art, particularly on those black artists who studied under him at the Polly Street Art Centre in Johannesburg in the fifties.
The massive panels in the Monument to the 1820 Settlers in Grahamstown were installed in the 1980s. Allegorical, with a theme of the seasons, these form an unforgettable experience for visitors to the great antechamber of the monument theatre.

The Art Shop

Last Thursday was the relaunch, under Derek Goosen’s ownership, of The Art Shop. A cheerful occasion which was enjoyed by invited artists, suppliers, staff and friends. The spread below celebrates the relaunch and ArtsPage is very happy to welcome Derek’s input to the local art scene.

News and views always welcome at niblos@telkomsa.net.

ArtsPage 8 May 2009 Frame it again, Sam

Remember that old painting that you love but that is hanging in the corridor because the frame is simply too old-fashioned, dirty or damaged to be seen in the livingroom? Or maybe it’s a watercolour painted by your favourite aunt and never really given a chance because it never enjoyed a decent frame? Well, now is your chance to do something about them.

Winter opportunity

There is no doubt that when the cold strikes, business in Hermanus gets a little sluggish. The art business is no exception and the framing studios feel it, too. So our leading three framers have decided to get together and, for the rest of the month of May, they are encouraging you to stop just thinking about reframing and get down to some action while the offer lasts.

Gilded frames

Frames were originally designed to protect paintings and were made of wood, still the most prestigious of framing materials. An elaborate moulding of plaster over the plain wood base, the whole gilded and designed to draw attention to the artwork and to enhance its appeal – think altar pieces, icons, traditional landscapes and old family portraits. These works, usually in oils, require no glass as they are protected by a renewable transparent varnish which catches the flyspecks and dust of the decades. Restorers can remove the varnish if it yellows with age and reapply – leading to some surprisingly rosy cheeks where before the sitter looked distinctly sallow of complexion.

Modern acrylic paints, too, are tough enough not to need glass. But pastels and watercoulours, gouaches and charcoal studies and works on paper in general would soon deteriorate without protection. The glass must not touch the surface of the paper so various mounts or thin mouldings are used to achieve this. The gap created avoids any condensation inside the glass which would damage the paint medium.
Not all pictures require framing; acrylics and oils are often presented with painted edges which finish them off well.

Damage

There is much more to the framing game than merely making a picture look better. Poor quality mounts and backing paper, masking tape, pins that rust and short-cut practices can do real damage to valuable artworks. The coating of glass to include UV filtering (light damage) and non-reflective qualities also need to be considered. If you want to avoid the dreaded foxing, better specify acid-free board. Costs can be cut if necessary by using plastic mouldings – the best are indistinguishable from wood, some of the “antique” finishes even have mock beetle holes to add veracity. And this is where an experienced framer can advise and give you an option that suits your purse and the work being framed.

Local experts

Three ladies whom I can confidently recommend are available in Greater Hermanus to offer the makeover that your artwork is begging for.
In the strictest alphabetical order, there is Glenda Pope at The Mission’s House in Onrus, who has recently brought her craftsmen on site to a new workroom on her historic old property in De Villiers Street. She has an attractive range of paintings in her gallery and was delighted to tell me that Charles van der Merwe’s Parisian Café painting which I used to illustrate last fortnight’s page, has just been sold to an overseas buyer. Glenda’s eye is spot-on and her advice, whether on framing or to aspirant painters, is always valuable.

Also in Onrus, having moved from her previous home studio on Old Main Road to Molteno Street a year ago, is Marlene Oberholzer at The Framery. Marlene does all her own frame construction and makes something of a speciality of block mounting and stretching photo-printed canvasses as well as art framing in the wider sense. She has been framing for 14 years and finds less and less time for her own painting.

In Hermanus centre, behind Pick ‘n Pay, is the Long Street framing business called Frames for Africa. Zelda Calitz is the owner and artistic director here and all work is done on the premises. Zelda sums up the job in two ticks, she is decisive in her recommendations but never dictates. She reinforces her suggestions with a winning smile and, like her fellow framers, she delivers a professional product with minimum delay.

Fresh and gleaming

When you have come home with your artwork looking fresh and gleaming, it becomes your responsibility to protect it further. Do avoid hanging in direct sunlight – and if you have a wall whose dryness is suspect, cut an ordinary wine cork into slivers and stick one piece on each corner at the back of the frame. This allows a circulation of air and lessens the possibility of mould.


Look around your house now and see whether some of your special artworks are in need of some tender loving care - then take them in to Glenda, Marlene or Zelda and give the pictures a new lease of life. And keep your news and views coming to me at niblos@telkomsa.net.

Sketch - The Art Shop

Hermanus rejoices in its many galleries and in the artists who live here. It was in response to the need for a specialized art and design materials supply that Sandy Cooper opened The Art Shop in Mitchell Street in September 2003. The baton passed to Sanet Cornelius and now ArtsPage is happy to welcome Derek Goosen as the new owner of this business which will be officially relaunched on Thursday 14 May .

Derek is an experienced retailer and was the driving force behind the Musica brand for 40 years, before retiring in 2002. Two years ago, heeding a suggestion by a friend running a successful framing business in Claremont, he researched the potential of the art and design retail arena. Similar stores in South Africa and the UK were scrutinized and he liked what he saw. The industry appeared to be well structured, with a compact menu of suppliers, workable operating margins, and offering realistic growth opportunities. Even more relevant was the resonance with his previous love affair with the music game, where music tugged at the heart strings and invariably provided the “soul food” for music lovers. It seemed clear to Derek that drawing and painting offer similar therapeutic experiences for many of those who sketch and paint.

Thus it was that The Village Brush and Canvas art shop opened in December 2006 in Belvedere Square, Claremont. On the strength of that store’s growing reputation in just two years of trading, a second store seemed like a good idea. When Derek heard that The Art Shop Hermanus was on the market, and being aware of the dynamic nature of the visual art community in the Overberg area, he acquired the business earlier this year.

Derek is very happy that Isabel Greyvenstein, who has been with The Art Shop for more than 6 years, will continue to manage the store and provide the fine service of which she and her assistant Chrizelle Damons are so proud. I asked Isabel if she painted and she admits to having had a go at oils but “gardening is my main hobby.” They are looking for a Saturday morning help, so if you know of a young guy or girl who has an interest in the arts and needs to earn a bit of cash, let them go in and ask Isabel.

It’s good to see favourite brands like Winsor and Newton, Daler-Rowney, Art Spectrum and Maimeri on the shelves and I am told that a comprehensive restocking has taken place since Derek has taken over. He is continuing to reward regular customers with a loyalty discount and already the frequent product specials are attracting attention. We can look forward to the range being “tweaked and enhanced” so it makes sense to support a local team who have shown that they can deliver.

ArtsPage 24 April 2009 Land Art at Baardskeerdersbos

Remember “Wrapping the Reichstag”? That was the artist, Bulgarian-born Christo, now officially called “Christo and Jeanne-Claude” to include both partners who were responsible for bringing the term land art into the public eye. They did not stop at wrapping monumental buildings but went on to curtain canyons and insulate islands in diaphanous material – in every case they restored the objects of their art to a natural state after the work was complete.

The Dutch artist herman de vries (he prefers lower case) is also a pioneering land artist and was responsible for introducing our local artist Leli Hoch to the genre. de vries, born 1931, enjoys creating sanctuaries where onlookers may observe but not trespass. He believes “one cannot enrich or improve nature with art.” I heard a fresh definition of land art the other day – “Using elements of nature in nature to create art.” And this is certainly what Leli does – see her picture of nasturtiums and the broken dam.

Workshops at B’Bos

On the weekend 2 + 3 May, Leli will lead workshops on land art in the fynbos and surrounds of participating artist Andrée Bonthuys on Saturday afternoon around 15h00 and Sunday morning around 10h30. Andrée’s work includes reference to fecund forests and shadow shows so keep an open mind. Twelve other local artists will be participating in the weekend art route and you can visit their studios and meet them between 10h00 and 17h00. For details and a map, see www.baardskeerdersbosartroute.com.

Village Square

If you can fight your way through the crowds at the Waterfront Piazza at this weekend’s music festival, have a look at the art on exhibition on the second floor – a group of artists have, since Easter, taken advantage of the massive space there and established themselves in an informal gallery. Celeste Fourie was very pleased with the amount of visitors passing through and is hoping to stay on as long as possible.

Cecil Skotnes
Sad to take note of the demise at 82 of a great South African master. Skotnes contributed so much to the indigenous art scene with his distinctive work rooted in the African idiom. He and his wife Thelma always struck me as gentle but tenacious. Certainly Skotnes’s mentoring work at the Polly Street Art Centre, founded 1949 in downtown Johannesburg, was a seminal influence in difficult times. This was recognized in 2003 when he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (gold). A life well lived.

I look forward to hearing your news and views at niblos@telkomsa.net.

Sketch - CHARLES VAN DER MERWE

Many eminent artists, of all genres, live in our Overberg region. This brings up the interesting question of what it is in this environment which inspires or allows artists to fulfill their desires and intentions. Is it the natural physical environment? The relative quiet? The connectedness of a large community of artists? The feeling that the culture and ambience of the area offers possibilities for the artist’s values and way of life? Whatever the reasons, it is obvious that the region benefits from the culture of art in many ways, and that The Way of The Artist deserves acknowledgement and support.

From Figures to Figures

Charles van der Merwe settled here five years ago, having decided to leave the corporate world of finance and figures for a full-time, professional, life in the world of Art, drawing and painting. Brought up in the green hills of Kwazulu-Natal, he had side-lined early interest in drawing for a career in the industrial financial field in South Africa, England, Mozambique and Angola.
Serious drawing/painting commenced in 1980. By 2001 he had decided to devote the rest of his life to art. Retiring from corporate life, he embarked on an exploration of the world of art, studying with well-known artists, visiting great art museums in Europe and being awarded a two-month study period at Citê Internationale des Artes, Paris in 2007.

Exhibitions

He works in pastels and oils, charcoal and graphite. He has had solo exhibitions (The Cape Gallery 2004, The Philip Harper Gallery 2005 the art-B Gallery 2007), several two-man exhibitions and numerous joint exhibitions (including The Smithfield Gallery, London, 2008). A Fellow of the South African Society of Artists (SASA), he has been, in recent years, a consistent winner of the ‘Best Pastel’ trophy at SASA exhibitions as well as receiving the ‘Best Drawing’ prize in 2006.

“ I try to look and see beyond apparent reality to the depth of a moment, a situation, a person, an environment. To re-present this essence, to reflect these ‘frames of encounter’ in a complex, ongoing interaction between artist, viewer & subject. The world presents itself moment to moment. Figures, faces, street scenes, interiors, landscapes. The pavement cafê, the dance studio, the nude figure. Illumination beyond windows, the impermanence of flowers, stillness in movement, dry dusty empty plains”.

Charles now lives and works in Kleinmond. I asked his wife Marguerite if she painted, too. She suggested that one artist in the family is enough. Certainly, if not an artist herself, she has the sensitivity to be a significant support and gave me the details for this sketch. His work is evocative and well-finished as one can see by the recognition granted by his fellow artists. It must be delightful to live with and will continue to give pleasure over the years.

Charles’s voyage of discovery continues in his art as well as literary, musical and philosophical interests, and in travel. He values the life-experience of a ‘mature’ citizen in reflecting the artistic process. You can see his work in local galleries in Hermanus and Onrus (The Missions House.)