Head out to B’Bos Art Route this weekend

Writer: Patrick Chapman

Sometimes I am asked by “painters for pleasure” how they should go about marketing their art. My first response is always, “You must have a story…” meaning, tell us the background to your development as an artist and what drives you. This makes you memorable to prospective buyers who become more interested in your work as they begin to understand how you came to create a particular painting, sculpture, ceramic piece or whatever.

Now Baardskeerdersbos has its own story in the name itself. You will find the village about 25 km inland from Gansbaai and it makes a lovely outing to visit the dozen or so artists who have pioneered a creative lifestyle in this tiny, unpretentious hamlet.

So, what’s to expect, art-wise? Well, you will be looking at the work of independent professional creatives who have chosen to live in the village, sometimes for years. And as Kali van der Merwe, current co-ordinator of the artists’ group says, you will always find something new and intriguing. There are invited guest artists, too, and these change from year to year.

Lots more for art lovers, or even the simply curious, to discover. There are unconfirmed rumours of a jazz concert in the evening. Baardskeerdersbos is a community, refuge, a crucible for talent, a place with its own story. The Art Route weekend is in its eleventh year. The rural surroundings are picturesque and take one back decades; look out for donkies and dreamy visitors and share the ambience. Well worth a visit.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 16)