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nelson mandela bay's family lifestyle
author:
theunis pienaar
expressions of reality
photography:
zuko, lifegate photography
issue:
6, winter 2008
In 2007 Jessica Nel was the winner of the prestigious bursary, awarded annually, at the end of the Spring School that is hosted by the Ron Belling Art Gallery. Those who see her work immediately know why she won this bursary and that her work will be in demand. “We were about thirty students in attendance. I did not attend with this bursary in mind. I just wanted to grow in what I enjoy – walking away with the bursary was one of the most exciting times of my life. It opened doors for me. I am so grateful to the Gutche Family who created the Ron Belling Art Gallery, the Spring School and the bursary.” Jessica grew up in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay. “I enjoy art as an escape. It is a different world of unlimited possibilities if you are creating a painting.” She also does charcoal and pencil drawings, pastel sketching, but acrylic painting is her love. “When I paint I lose myself and express myself all at the same time. It is fabulous to be able to create something beautiful, something that other people could enjoy.” “I am not into abstract or impressionist painting. If I must describe my own style, I think the best way to describe it would be 'naturalistic'. The images that come to life on my canvas are real.” As a vibrant 19 year old, Jessica shares a home and life with her parents and siblings. It is very evident that she and mom, Jennilee are good friends, sharing interests and tastes. Father Duane makes a living in the automation industry and has his hands full with all the 'girls' in his life. Jessica has two younger sisters Kirsty, sixteen, and Chanel, ten. They are a family who enjoy life 'together'. When you walk into their home, you feel the warmth and intimacy. Jessica is not all about art. She has successfully completed the Argus Cycle Tour. She enjoys reading and every now and then applies her hand to writing, as well. “A bit of poetry and maybe a short story, that is what I would write. It is not something I would advertise, though,” she adds laughingly. Currently Jessica is utilizing the three year bursary she won, for studies in fashion design at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. “Art is not something that should be reduced to just painting. Jewelry Design, Fashion and Textile Design, writing – these are all modern art forms. Art is creative. It is about expressing your Self. The medium you use cannot define or restrict it.” As fashion designer she is also excelling, becoming one of the semi-finalists in a national design competition that will culminate in a big event at the annual Durban July – and she is only in her first year of studies. When asked about who influenced her art the most she immediately goes to Miss Uys, her art teacher at Pearson High in Summerstrand. “I chose Pearson as High School, specifically because she was the art teacher. She has the ability to teach, encourage and foster a love for art.” Regarding other artists who influenced her style and approach, Jessica says: “Definitely Michelangelo. His renderings of the human body resonate with me. They are awesome.” When it comes to South African artists Penny Siopis is one of Jessica's favorites. “Penny is currently Professor of the Fine Art Department at the University of Witwatersrand. Her 'foodscapes' are the best. I am also fascinated by the work of 'resistance artists' – I don't know if they qualify as an influence on my own work – but the inspiration to their work and the resulting art is very interesting and not very well known among most South Africans.” Jane Alexander would be one of the most established South African Resistance Artists Jessica is referring to – her work reacting to the violent situation in South Africa, during 'Apartheid'. Perhaps it is the meticulous detail of Alexander's work that appeals to Jessica's very 'Naturalistic Realism'. Her life-view is certainly meticulously expressed in her work. “I believe that life is something that cannot be contained in a box. It is not something that can be ordered or organized. Life can only be experienced. You must do things and get involved – then you are alive and grow and perhaps become more.”
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