Savoy resident beats the odds
SAVOY - Against all odds, Savoy resident, Loren Hodes is exhibiting her art dubbed ‘Tree of Life’ at the Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre in Houghton.
Hodes said her success came after following many trials such as making a name for herself in the art world.
She said the art world was very competitive and stated through her love of art she managed to weather the storms.
“I have had to steel myself against rejection and criticism many times over and again. I think I have become stronger as a person through this challenge.”
She said her greatest achievement so far was having a piece of her work being accepted for the ‘We love Nelson Mandela’ exhibition which would be travelling to London soon. In artwork such as the ‘Tree of beauty’ she used oil on canvas and recovered wooden frame. In other paintings she used acrylic on canvas, mono paint, ink, water colour, skeleton leaf, varnish, charcoal and pastel.
And Hodes has graphic design background and BA Fine Arts (honours) degree from Wits University.
“I have been working as a professional artist for the past 23 years. I also teach art to children, teens and adults. She said the ‘Tree of Life” was her fourth solo exhibition and it took her three years to finish it. “It was until I felt that I had enough work in order to show.”
She stated that she had a tendency to work in terms of themes or collections of work and keep going until she felt satisfied. Hodes also felt honoured to have a piece of work called ‘Tree of Wisdom’ on the ‘We Love Nelson Mandela’ exhibition which is showing at the Nelson Mandela Square at the moment.
“It is very exciting for me. I have also written three children’s books and illustrated two of them which had been published internationally.
Hodes who is obsessed with the visual image have love of art as she attended lessons from when she was a very young child.
The mother of six said she had been able to share her work with family without any hassle.
“I am a very dedicated family person, I don’t let my work distract me from my family responsibilities.”
The honest, loving, intensely creative and fiercely driven woman said she drew her energy from within herself.
“It’s almost as if I am subconsciously driven to draw and paint. I feel very down if I am unable to work.” She said Natalie Knight had been her mentor throughout her career.
“I feel that art is a very accurate measure of the time and societies in which it is made throughout history. Her aim was to develop her print making skills and to delve a little into photography. The exhibition will close on 1 September.
Details: Hazel or René, 011-728-8088/8378 and after hours 011-728-8378, email: rchcc@telkomsa.net or rene.s@telkomsa.net
