A brush with local artists: meet Paul Botes
Benoni Art Route is open to all individuals who have a passion for creativity in all drawing and painting disciplines, as well as sculpture.
Farrarmere resident Paul Botes is the chairperson of the Benoni Art Society and a founding member of the Benoni Art Route.
The 80-year-old started his art career by taking part in group exhibitions.
His style, talent and dedication evolved where he was able to commit himself to full-time painting.
He has been enjoying, searching, finding and changing his depth of artistic talent and enthusiastic productivity for 30 years.
Although born in Bellville, Cape Town, Paul is a Benonian at heart.
Paul was awarded the Greater Benoni Mayoral Achievers’ Award for art development in 1999 and received a Citation of Honour for art in 2007.
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He held a one-man exhibition about Benoni street scenes and environment in 1981 when Benoni turned 75 years old and published in the book Benoni yesteryears by Glynis CoxMillet-Clay.
The artist said he often has to discard work, but he is grateful he has what it takes to be invited to major exhibitions as he is generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion through his teaching and workshops.
He explained that to him art is work with a little of what is called talent, which is too complex to understand.
“When I look at the work of other well-known artists in my field, I become anxious and insecure after seeing their good and masterful work. Then I step up my real confidence with study and practise mixed with ability, observe deeper and learn from the masters,” he said.
The Benoni Art Route is held every last Sunday of the month, however to the pandemic it has been placed on hold until further notice.
For more information on how to join contact Alice Muller on 082 578 7234 or at benoniartroute.ali@gmail.com or visit their website (www.benoniartroute.co.za).
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