Success , Success, Success

Success Success Success

What an exciting exhibition we had at Zoo Lake last month. It was the Autumn selection for new artists (new for “AUS” that is- some Artists are well known professionals and others emerging.)

I was there early on Saturday morning, together with our Chairman Danie Roos , Kieran Anderson and Anne Inggs, to demarcate the area for the new and nervous artists… It had been raining and raining the previous night …when I arrived on the scene it was still raining. But nothing deterred us and the scene was set up for all these dedicated artists that stood expectantly hoping like mad that the rain would cease AND be selected. Eventually it did clear up and was a very pleasant weekend over all.
Determination and Commitment

For me it is so encouraging to see the determination and commitment of some of these artists. I know for a fact that several of them have tried more than once to be selected… that takes guts and courage. WELL DONE and CONGRATULATIONS to those arstists that were selected. If any of the hopeful artists that exhibited on the selection weekend are reading this and were not accepted this time, please try again and NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP- NOT EVER. Judging is a funny thing and I personally don’t understand it fully.

Having said that I have two success stories of encouragement and hope to share with you...

One is that of Daniel Novela. Daniel was one of the judges at the last selection. He studied at the Vaal triangle Techikon from 1996-1998. He exhibited at Artist under the Sun in 2001 for the first time. He tells me that it was hard for him initially having to support a family on his art alone.

I asked him” Daniel what’s your secret?” (hoping to get some tips too)

With that he told he me that commitment was the key factor. He remained consistent with his subject matter and of course the quality of his work. He earned the respect of his buyers and become a very well known Artist as a result.

A stroke of good fortune struck in 2006 and Daniel went to New York and was introduced by one of his customers to a Gallery there. Well the rest is history and Daniel can no longer keep up with the demand for his work…Sadly for us at AUS, with his success, he no longer comes to Zoo Lake regularly.

The second success story is that of Teboho Makoatsa. A member of AUS since August last year. He has been selected as one of the Top 100 young Artists at the annual art competition of ABSA L’Atelier Awards. This is a prestigious Art competition that has been going for many years and has put many Artists on the map. All three of his paintings that he submitted for the competition were short listed for the Top 100. Wow this is fabulous news Teboho, well done, what a great achievement. This is a great morale booster for his fledgling career as an artist and will uplift his profile and that of

"ARTISTS UNDER THE SUN"

Yay!!!

Times are a Changing….

Times are a Changing….

By Ronnie Biccard (artist)

“Artists Under the Sun” has been around for as long as I can remember. I bought my first painting when the site was still in Joubert Park- a tree lined avenue in the city of Johannesburg. That was a long time ago, I was still a student then and I think I paid R20.00 for a beautiful painting. It started in 1960 with a hand full of artists exhibiting their art.

All that has changed.

Innovative then Innovative now!

“Artists Under the Sun” now exhibit in the park, at Zoolake, on the Jan Smuts Avenue side of the lake on the FIRST WEEKEND of every month. There are about 150 artists now.

I have been a member for some time and just recently become a committee member. With that, I thought a blog would do us very well.

Here are some of my thoughts and ramblings. Remember most of the thoughts here are mine and not necessarily that of anyone else.

"Artists Under the Sun" (AUS) is the largest outdoor exhibition of its kind in South Africa,( that’s a fact). It has been going for many, many years,( that too is a fact). The atmosphere is relaxed and one can stroll around, under the warm and sometimes hot Southern African sun and fill your senses with the all the beauty that surrounds one and peruse the art work at your own leisure.

Artists set up their spots, early on a Saturday and Sunday morning once a month (the first weekend- remember!) with wonderful art work that appeals to all tastes. Here they settle in for the day to sell original art to the appreciative public.

I’m wondering where else one can have a gathering of such talent, at one time, in one spot, every single month? I can’t think of any.

I know at one time the public had the perception that "AUS" was an art show only for the “Sunday painters”. People that dabbled, but weren’t so serious about art. I know saying that it is a huge generalization. Shoot me down for this. But the times they are a changing and all that has changed too. The Artists that exhibit now are very talented and highly professional. The art work here is GOOD!

As I stroll round and cast my eyes upon the work that is presented here, I see and know that things have changed dramatically. The standard of the work is extremely high. There is a wide variety of mediums, subjects matter, and methods used. Some of the work is FABULOUS. Something for everyone.

There is quite a tough selection process that artists need to go through to be accepted. This can be a nerve wrecking experience for some, demoralizing for others and a cinch for the rest. There is such a wealth of talent out there that not all artists are accepted.

My advice to artists that don’t get in is- don’t give up, not ever.

I am part of this group and very proud of it. I enjoy the weekends that we exhibit. We meet wonderful people with a common raison detre'- to enjoy the art work on display.

Being on the committee this year, I intend to get the word out there to the public that we DO exist and that we have beautiful art work to sell.

So this is an INVITATION to visit "Artists under the Sun" and come and see for yourself.

We would love to have your suggestions. We would also love to have your comments. Artists are sensitive, we put our soul into our work, and on the line, so please be sensitive with the comments you make. Take care and we’ll see you soon at our spot under the sun!!!!