Exploring the surreal world of symbolism with Rayton artist, Edith Schmidt
Edith Schmidt, a Rayton local, is an acclaimed artist known for her talent in creating symbolic and surreal artworks. Her works, a blend of imagination, creativity, and technical skill, made her stand out in the art world.
Edith Schmidt, a Rayton local, is an acclaimed artist known for her talent in creating symbolic and surreal artworks.
Her works, a blend of imagination, creativity, and technical skill, made her stand out in the art world.
Schmidt’s unique way of creating surreal art has captivated the attention of many art lovers and critics.
Her works often feature dreamlike, whimsical themes, and her intricate attention to detail creates a sense of mystery and wonder.
Schmidt’s ability to bring to life the impossible and turn the ordinary into something extraordinary has earned her a reputation as a master of surrealism.
In this Q&A, Streeknuus delved deeper into the life and art of Edith Schmidt, exploring her inspirations, techniques, and contributions to the art world.
Q: Explain your artistic style and the methods
A: My artistic style leans towards symbolism and incorporates some elements of surrealism. I primarily work with oil paints but also use charcoal, pencil, watercolour, and pen and ink. Sculpture is another medium I enjoy exploring. I aim to create realistic and symbolic works to effectively convey my intended message to the viewer.
Q: What message or feeling do you aim to express through your art?
A: My artistic style leans heavily towards symbolism, allowing me to convey a range of emotions and messages through my pieces. I am drawn to the ‘mother and child’ theme quite often, and enjoy creating portrait studies using a variety of mediums.
Q: What is your creative process from the initial idea to the finished work?
A: My creative process typically involves having an initial idea of what I want to create, but the result is often different because of new ideas emerging as I work or the rejection of certain concepts. I sometimes start with sketches in a workbook, but I also like to sketch directly on the canvas. As I work, I may realise that certain ideas or techniques are unsuitable. My artistic style leans towards Impressionism at times, depending on the theme.
Q: What do you think is the role of visual art in society?
A: My goal as an artist is to communicate a positive message that uplifts and inspires the audience, providing an escape from the negativity surrounding us. I strive to promote an awareness of beauty in the world through my work, although it is important to note that each artist has their own goals and motivations.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired to create new work?
A: I derive pleasure from studying the works of other artists, whether from past eras or the present. Ideas often take root in my mind, and I become eager to bring them to life. The mere aroma of oil paint is sufficient to motivate me. My affection for oil paint knows no bounds.
Q: Who are some of your biggest artistic influences, and why?
A: From my childhood, I have admired Rembrandt as my hero. When I grew up, I found inspiration in other great artists such as Dali, Monet, Van Gogh, and Da Vinci. Additionally, I am fascinated by the styles of contemporary artists and their use of various techniques. It is amazing to see the abundance of brilliant artists in today’s world.
Q: What was your biggest challenge as an artist, and how did you overcome it?
A: My biggest challenge was overcoming my low self-esteem and learning to disregard negative feedback about my work. I have learnt to appreciate my art and not be preoccupied with what others may think of it. Creating art is a gift, and I relish every moment of it now.
Q: What is your favourite piece that you created and why?
A: My favourite artwork is Yesterday’s Heroes. It was the first piece where I captured different dimensions on a single canvas. Since then, many paintings with similar themes and variations have followed.
Q: How do you see your art evolving?
A: I am uncertain how my art will evolve in the future. I am always seeking out something new, be it a fresh theme to explore or a new technique to experiment with. Only time will tell what direction my art will take.
Q: Do you have any upcoming or current exhibitions?
A: I exhibit my artwork regularly at Prime Cut in Rayton and am working on a portrait study for the Rust en Vrede Competition in the Western Cape.
Q: How can people view more of your work?
A: My artwork is organised into different sections on my website: https://lemuelac.wixsite.com/schmidtonart
