Artwork inspired by nature

The skill of birds as they build nests is one that fascinates nature-lovers across the globe.

For local artist, Corina Lemmer, the intricate skill was the inspiration behind her lauded exhibition, ‘Nests: An installation and Exhibition’.

Currently on show at the Carnegie Art Gallery, the opening of the exhibition drew art-lovers and the curious alike to its opening recently.

Mrs Lemmer, who hails from Winterton, said she was delighted with the interest shown in her work and planned to expand on the theme.

“I was inspired by the fact that the making of bird nests is very similar to that of human craft. Since childhood, I have been creatively inclined, and I like to think that I create visual stories with all my pieces.”

Mrs Lemmer’s artworks, which include sketches and crochet, also incorporate various materials to add to her aesthetic.

“I’ve been working within the theme of nests for the past seven years and, as I am married to a farmer, I’ve been lucky enough to encounter lots of nests on the farm. In Newcastle, I am known for my paintings of cattle. I have two teenage daughters, who go to a boarding school, and they’re very proud of their mom,” she laughed.

Mrs Lemmer also incorporates traditional Zulu beadwork into her creations. “I commission a very talented bead artist, Ngoneni Kubheka of the Amangwe tribe to do my beadwork. My fibre work will incorporate this, as well as embroidery, crochet and shards of ceramic. These are often sewn onto patchworks of khaki men’s clothing to suggest the role of men in shaping our present consciousness.”

Along with her artwork, Mrs Lemmer also forms part of her church’s choir, which is led by retired Drakensberg Boys Choir maestro, Bunny Ashley Botha.

“In my work, using the images of nests, I compare the skills of birds to the craft and hand work of humans, especially women; these serve as symbols of culture. The works all continue the theme of how all people are connected to each other and their environment – humans are similar to birds in their instinctive creation of sheltered spaces.”

Some of her works, she continued, were named after the people who brought her nests, together with the name of the bird that built it.

“The nest is seen as a place of safety and security and also suggests the security of a supporting community and friendships,” she explained.

Her works, according to Carnegie curator, Judy Jordan, have been exhibited in galleries across the country.

“Mrs Lemmer is represented in several public and private collections in South Africa and overseas,” said Mrs Jordan.

“She has shown at the Durban Art Gallery, the Tatham Art Gallery and the Ulundi Palace of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelethini.”

Mrs Lemmer concluded: “Our society is a combination of elements, often set in the landscape of the Drakensberg Mountains, consisting of varied cultures, religions and perspectives. My work shows the meshing of these cultures, and how each is just as important as the other.”

The ‘Nests’ exhibition will be at Carnegie Art Gallery until September 30.