WHITE RIVER – The Three Studio Art Meander had the works of nationally renowned artists on display recently. Consisting of magnificent works of art in three studios, it was an event to remember. Hearty receptions by the artists themselves made it even more memorable.
Following a visit to the art meander, Lowvelder reported:
Living among fellow Lowvelders who are well-known artists, is something we’ve become used to. However, a stroll through the studios where the works of Wendy Malan and René Eloff, as well as Esra, Nina, Anton and Hanlie Bosch are displayed, makes one remember that this is not something to be taken for granted. Add hereto works of the late Zakkie Eloff and furniture by Phillip Eloff, and the meander becomes one of the year’s highlights.
A combined exhibition between the Boschs and Eloffs has been an annual event for a long time, according to René, Anton and Hanlie. This year, Nina’s popular porcelain jewellery and paintings as well as etches by artist Wendy Malan, form part of the combined effort. “Whereas the exhibition has always lasted a day or two more than a weekend, it will now last 10 days,” René said on Friday.
The meander offers visitors the opportunity of a leisurely stroll through the studios of the men and women whose works have been hand-picked to hang in special spots in homes and businesses across South Africa. In addition, art lovers get to meet and chat to Wendy, Esra, Nina, Anton, Hanlie and René between 09:00 and 18:00 daily. Their works are also for sale.
Being able to say, “I bought this artwork from the artist at his studio after a nice chat,” is something not everyone can tick off their bucket list. Be sure to pay a visit to the Three Studio Art Meander to get it on yours.
Also read: Three Studios Meander – ten days of amazing art
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More about the artists:
• Esra Bosch is a ceramicist known across South Africa for her attractive range of individual and functional ware. She adorns ceramics with colours and patterns that turn everyday items into true artworks. Her range includes functional work and pieces purely intended for aesthetic purposes. The styles of her ceramic collections vary from the more subdued to eye-catching and colourful.
• Wendy Malan, a former resident of Sabie, has been festival artist at both KKNK and Innibos. Her and Esra’s joint exhibition is one of a few – they have known each other since the 1980s. Although their mediums were very different, Wendy incorporated crockery into her paintings in the most beautiful way, which tied it to Esra’s ceramic creations.
• Anton Bosch is an honest artist whose work has immeasurable depth. It resonates with the human soul and is comfortably interpreted and personalised by the viewer – a possible result of the honesty with which he creates his technically advanced ceramics. His art is featured in various collections worldwide, including the Keramion Museum in Hanover, Germany. Natural elements such as human figures, trees,
flowers, the night sky and animals like chameleons and butterflies often feature in his ceramic pieces.
• Hanlie Bosch is well known for her expressive, animated works that are strikingly vibrant, yet contemplative. Her art has distinct features that distinguish it, such as her pipe figurines, which have been described as humorous and haunting. Hanlie’s plates, platters, hand-built pieces, sculptures and artworks draw the attention of and also fixate the viewer.
• Nina Bosch’s handmade ceramic porcelain jewellery pieces are intricate, small works of third-generation Bosch art that can be worn. This creative idea has been welcomed countrywide since her launch in 2013. Nina, the granddaughter of Esias and daughter of Esra and Hanlie, crafts each and every porcelain piece individually. Her artworks are transformed into jewellery with accessories such as sterling silver chains and leather cords. Inspired by trees, leaves and abstract designs, the range offers Lowveld exclusivity in a class of its own.
• René Eloff’s oil, silk screen and watercolour paintings need no introduction. Sold in galleries across the country, her works have been recognised and celebrated across South Africa.
Yet her already gained fame did not preclude her from expanding her horizons. In 2015 she attended fellow artist Braam van Wijk’s Creative Explorations teaching, where raw, unique creativity was celebrated. Her works created during that time reveal a fresh, different side of the celebrated artist and are also on exhibition. The works of René’s late husband, Zakkie, are also displayed alongside that of her son, renowned furniture crafter Phillip Eloff.
View this gallery by Willie Broodryk:
