THE CLAY PROJECT - Solo Studios, Arts Town Riebeek Valley

CLAY PROJECT @ SOLO STUDIOS

Arts Town Riebeek Valley 08-11 Aug 2019 www.solostudios.co.za

Andries Dirks grew up in an impoverished environment in Riebeek Kasteel, and discovered his love of sculpting as a child whilst forming figures and shapes from mud while playing along the river banks of the Riebeek Valley.

It was only many years later however, when he was incarcerated in the Riebeek West Correctional Facility that his deft and artistic talent was noted during skills development programs offered by the prison staff. Upon his release he was encouraged to pursue a career in ceramic sculpture and pottery, and managed to secure a number of commissions for his creative works.

Intermittent periods of incarceration, combined with attempting to hold down various part time jobs, have prevented Andries from making a full time living from his exceptional skill.

Above: Andries Dirks and sons Right: Leila Fanner’s Texture Pods

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Above: Clay pulverized and prepared for testing Left: Li Nepgen’s, Mr. Cat

Li Nepgen obtained her National Diploma in Fine Art in 1996 from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (then Port Elizabeth Technikon), and in 2007 opened her Love Art Studio in Riebeek Kasteel, from where she practices her art and conducts classes. She has held numerous solo exhibitions around the country and has won various awards for her ceramic works.

Andries and Li first crossed paths in 2010 when Andries was sponsored by the Goedgedacht Trust to undergo ceramic classes with Li. He brought Li a sculpture which was produced from clay he had sourced from the local river banks.

Now, in August 2019, the two sculptors will collaborate again in an exhibition titled Clay, part of a bespoke event Solo Studios – Intimate Art Encounters, held in the Riebeek Valley and currently in its 4 th year of existence.

It was whilst enjoying some fine Swartland wine with friends that Li came up with the concept of sourcing local clay for a group exhibition, when local farmer Willie le Roux claimed that he had a good source on his nearby farm Konstansia. Their farmhouse had apparently been built over a hundred years ago from clay, and it was still in impeccable condition.

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Ade Kipades’ Reclining Nude

The proposal was made by Li to have a group collaboration of local artists all being given a bucket of clay sourced from the valley, producing works for a group exhibition during the Solo Studios event. A number of the resident artists enthusiastically embraced the initiative, although some of them had never worked with clay in their distinguished careers, let alone understand how the product would react in the intended traditional method of pit firing!

The result will be that Andries Dirks would share a platform at Solo Studios with acclaimed artists which could include Anton Momberg, Riaan van Zyl, Jenny Parsons, Leila Fanner, Gordon Williams, Ade Kipades and Li Nepgen!

The visitors to the exhibition, as has become the norm at Solo Studios, will include esteemed art collectors, aficionados and

interior decorators. An opportunity perhaps, for Andries Dirks to finally realize his ambition of becoming a full time artist…?

Solo Studios – Intimate Art Encounters takes place in “ARTS TOWN” Riebeek Valley (Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek West and surrounds) from 8-11 August 2019.

Access is limited and pre-booking is essential; passes range from a Premier Weekend Pass @ R395.00 to day passes @ R195.00 each. Follow the link to Webtickets from the website www.solostudios.co.za

Being a long weekend, including Women’s Day Friday 9 August, accommodation should also be booked early. Book online at www.roomsinriebeek.co.za

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