In 2017 I started to explore how to approach my art in different ways and how to use a limited palette. A few times I tried to use both my oils and charcoal in a painting. But I struggled to achieve the required results. As artists we need to talk and share. I usually do that, even to my own demise. Its important to attend courses and try new things. We should not get stuck in doing the same thing over and over. Then I might as well go back to my ‘normal’ day job. Its because of the … Continued
2018 – New Year, New Challenges
It feels like I need to say Happy New Year, but it is nearly February and I missed that boat with about 30 days! However, I hope 2018 will be a wonderful creative year for everyone. 2017 was a good year; one of discovery. Searching for more in my art, trying to find a way to express myself in different ways. It was a year to myself. Only painting what I feel like, exploring my style. 2017 started off with an art course by one of the most amazing artists and human beings, Ruth Walter. She knows what she talks … Continued
Glass House II
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty – Mahatma Gandhi Here is a quick recap on a recent work I completed. This was a conceptual installation with artist books. To read more about it please follow this link: https://www.christellepretoriusart.co.za/glass-houses-i/ People who live in Glass Houses shouldn’t throw stones; we shouldn’t criticize others for faults we own. The glass house represents all of us and everything we keep hidden. We all remain closed books even though you may see through … Continued
Glass Houses I
Glass Houses People who live in Glass Houses shouldn’t throw stones. My first conceptual art piece in 10 years. This project started out with me sitting in church, the pastor had an interesting theme /slogan for the day. And it immediately in my mind became a title for an artist book. It was different and a bit controversial. It read something like a Winning recipe for failure, who would want to know the winning recipe to fail? It’s an idea worth listening to, a book you would want to open. Later that evening I attended a talk by my all-time … Continued
An Artist’s Journey III – Beauty in the Breakdown
As previously explained my work is all about Femininity, and emotions. See my first post here: https://www.christellepretoriusart.co.za/an-artists-journey/ My portraits, pretending to be themselves, read more here: https://www.christellepretoriusart.co.za/an-artists-journey-ii-the-pretentious-portraits/ The singer Frou Frou has a song Let Go, part of the lyrics are as follows: ‘so let go And jump in Oh well whatcha waiting for It’s all right ‘Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown (So let go) yeah let go And just get in Oh it’s so amazing here It’s all right ‘Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown’ To listen to the song, please copy and paste … Continued
An Artist’s Journey II – The ‘Pretentious’ Portraits
“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” – Roald Dahl As mentioned in my previous post my work will start to focus more on Femininity. (if you missed the previous post please follow this link https://www.christellepretoriusart.co.za/an-artists-journey/ Femininity, and being a woman, me. The artist is always present in their work, as I strongly believe art is always personal. The feelings and ideas that I associate with it. Often mixed and confused feelings. Immersed in absolute indecisiveness, I hover in a gray area. Never knowing what to do. Deciding on breakfast cereal becomes … Continued
An Artist’s Journey
“I am part of all that I have met”, ULYSSES – Alfred, Lord Tennyson At what point and time do you call yourself an artist? I struggle to answer that question… I like to skip going to the doctor’s offices and self medicate, it doesn’t make me a doctor. When can I say I am an artist. The last 5 years I haven’t been able to truly call myself an artist. Yet, in the last four weeks I have never felt more scared, confused, alive, excited about art than ever before. I am listening to new music, I … Continued
2017
Welcome to 2017! Here we are, already half way through January 2017. Today one month ago I was officially done with all commissions and ready to take a break. Its been a month of absolute procrastination. I have not had the energy to get up early, or to even pick up a paintbrush. And did not feel ready for 2017. At some point I realized I needed to get a jump start. So today it happened. My canvas for my first official commission was delivered. I am very excited to get started. And after visiting my favorite gallery, I … Continued