Mixed Media - Paul Birchall

Paul Birchall - Mixed media, prints and digital art

Paul’s juxtaposed imagery invites viewers to create their own narratives. Still he enjoys incorporating humour in his work, so as to understate the seriousness of his themes.

One of the themes he has featured in his work is that of gay men who had met during military service. Many young men have in the past, and present, joined these forces to be in the company of men. His wish is to acknowledge all gay men who have lived lives that were unacceptable or illegal in their societies and to celebrate that they were still able to find friendship and love in the company of other men.

Mike Vlok - Ceramics

Mike Vlok - Recent Ceramics

Vlok worked in the hotel industry for the major part of the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Most of the time he was in the employ of Holiday Inns South Africa but did do a few short periods with the group abroad in Europe and the USA. He became general manager at the Lesotho Sun and Casino. After this he ventured into the world of chain restaurants and, along with a partner, he acquired five ‘Mike’s Kitchens’.

In Johannesburg, the city life eventually ‘got’ to him and he opted out after thirteen years and moved to Knysna in 1997 where he bought and ran a coffee shop until 2001.It was during this time that Vlok decided to fulfill an old dream and started pottery classes with the renowned ceramist, Lesley Ann Hoets. As Vlok says, “From day one she turned the magic of clay on for me, and for years now I have been a full-time potter.”

When not engrossed in the excitement of getting his hands dirty and thriving on the sensuality of the clay, he is most likely to be seen around Knysna lending this creativity to landscaping - another passion.

Animism - PD Ferreira

ANIMISM


From the Latin word anima ‘life, soul’

The works for this exhibition is the exploration of a very intuitive approach to a selection of various images that made an impact or resonated with me on certain levels that are not always that easy to explain or pinpoint. As the images are visual keys that unlock certain emotions, memories, dreams, and responses that play through my being, they begin to take form in new ways of relativity to one another. They start to harmonize with other entities in a picture field to create a different reality that speak of life and soul and being together in unexpected ways.

They can be reflections of our relationship with animals and the natural world, of our bond with nature. They may refer to the recognition of ourselves in the life and soul of all that surrounds us.

Animals are archetypal symbols referring to various qualities like strength or have various symbolic meanings throughout history from very early days. I sense a strong connection with animals that is at once grounding and supernatural.


Background on DP Ferreira

Ferreira grew up on a farm in the eastern Free State and took private art lessons with Ingrid Lotter whilst still at school.

Whilst studying for his Higher Diploma, he tutored in art history at the Free State Technikon. During his studies, his works were selected for the annual students’ exhibitions and he twice received the award for the best fine arts photographic student. Ferreira has been a finalist in the ABSA Aterlier awards and Momentum Life Art awards. His work was also selected to participate in Stephan Hundt’s Free State Artists exhibition at the Grahamstown Arts Festival.

From 1995 he worked in Bloemfontein as a freelance artist and at this time began his floral work. From 1996 and for the next four years, Ferreira worked as a floral designer in London and traveled widely. In London he did floral work at places such as The Tate Gallery, National History Museum and various other prestigious institutions and for many famous people including members of the Royal family.

In 2001, Ferreira returned to South Africa and settled in Knysna. After working for a short while as a graphic designer, he then began his own business, Natural Floral Design. This grew into Ecozest after DP and his partner Hannes Stander combined their skills.

Painting and ‘art making’ is a growing passion and continuous transformation for DP.