Art for art’s sake
Stretch your legs,
the length of your bed
– Swahili of East Africa
I’ve spent most of my working life with creative people: editors, camera operators, photographers, film makers, sound and lighting guys, curators and many creative arts instructors. I never underestimate the skill that goes into the creation of something new. For the last ten years, I’ve been working with film students, guiding them through the process of pre-production, production and post-production, to produce hundreds of short films. It takes time.
There is an abundance of great artists and art work in The Mother City. Rugged coastlines and a colourful political landscape always seem to attract a community of artists. Cape Town offers both. And there are now over 30 art galleries across the city and its peninsula, showcasing the brilliant work of many talented individuals.
Over this weekend, I attended two openings at Cape Town galleries. One was at Kalk Bay Modern, for an exhibition of ceramics and textiles. I remembered my own feeble attempts at working with clay at university. I had made a collection of miniature pieces for some animation. It wasn’t very good.
At Kalk Bay Modern, there was a variety of pieces; many colours, many designs, different styles. Some had a distinctly South African character, using patterns inspired by nature. I recognised the skill and the patience required to produce each and every perfect porcelain piece, the finished inventive products, with that distinctive glassy smoothness. Translucent.
I was also invited to the opening of the solo exhibition by bronze sculptor, Richard J Gunston. It was his first solo exhibition, a collection of fine bronze sculptures, small statutes and figurines. The theme of his work is nature, and the artist’s love of nature was abundantly clear.
“Animals have the most beautiful personalities and expressions, observing their world, their innermost being and their serenity allows us to be part of something profound. We are custodians, caretakers of this realm – learn the language of this world and you will be truly blessed”
Richard J Gunston
Some of the bronze work carried an environmental message. One depicted a rhino’s head, with a human hand underneath, gently cupping its chin; lending a helping hand, taking care of it, offering protection. Another, a large bust of a human with a rhino horn, was wearing a ‘necklace’ of bullets. The message was clear. We must commit to putting an end to poaching and the destruction of these amazing animals.
A huge, impressive piece was placed in the corner. I went back to look at it three times. It was a life-size head of a mother and foal, weighing over 100 kg. There were numerous intricate details, requiring tremendous expertise.
The owner of The Studio Art Gallery greeted us and gave an engaging welcome speech, introducing the artist. He talked of risks, of putting your heart and soul into something and perseverance.
Those words resonated with me over the weekend.
Many will go through life chasing the money. Their goal is about business gains and amassing wealth. I can’t relate.
For others they have a desire to create something original. To innovate. They work tirelessly to make something imaginative and its not about the money. It’s about doing what you love, following a passion. If one is good at that, the money comes later.
I’m reminded of the piece narrated by philosopher Alan Watts. I taught with it numerous times. “What makes you itch?” Watts urges us to consider the question ‘how would your really enjoy spending your life?’
Artists can inspire us. Like them, we have to go for it in life to achieve anything; a goal, a dream, a way of life. That probably involves taking a risk or two along the way. Whatever we do, we should do it with passion. The ultimate goal is to live an authentic life, not a prescribed one.
And we mustn’t give up. Whatever we aspire to, we have to work towards making that happen. Like hoopoes, we must spread out our wings, tilt our heads high and fly.
How would you really enjoy spending your life?
Maggie M / Mother City Time
Image: Hoopoe at the Reflections of Nature exhibition- Richard J Gunston