Artists are
generally defined as human beings who expresses themselves through their unique
experience of existence and who create something that communicates more than
its surface value.
Maybe Henry Ward Beecher
realised this and had Amelia Boshoff in mind when he said: Every artist dips
his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.
Well then, let us meet this Amelia…
Hi Amelia, pleased to meet you! Where are you from?
I am a
self-taught free-time oil painting artist from South Africa who was born 49
years ago in Carolina, Mpumalanga and grew up in Pretoria. I currently live in Valhalla, Pretoria with
only my husband at my side.
Did you have any formal art training?
I took Art as a
subject at high school for five years where I learned the basics of art. I
never had the opportunity to study further or to get advanced art training.
However, through the years and while doing art as a hobby, my creativity
continually developed and my own natural style evolved from that.
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| Protea Love |
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| Protea Explosion |
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I started working full-time in 1990 at the SA Air Force
until present – I am a Codifier.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Art has always been part of my life and gave me pleasure
from very young age. My goal is to become a professional artist, because I
always had that desire to create outside the stereotypical ideas of what makes
art “Art".
Art
stereotypes are misguided perceptions or beliefs people have about what art is
or should be. Their observations are based upon how these art objects look on
the outside only and this on itself is a type of prejudice, because what is on
the outside is only a tiny small part of what there really is in a specific body
of art. Courageous artists feel comfortable taking creative risks to make a
work of art break the stereotypes.
What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by music, nature as well as the books and
publications I read such as SA Art Magazine.
God blessed me with an analytical mind and great patience.
I have a kind-hearted, spiritual, striving, sentimental and determined
personality and it contributes to my art. All this and being an artist in my
free-time gives me freedom and a peaceful mood. My thoughts then nourish my
creativity and allows me to give special attention to detail.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose
ourselves at the same time.” Thomas Merton.
Do you use photo references?
I have an extensive computer-based reference library
containing a large collection of wonderful images. I enjoy anything that is
tempting and challenging and studying these inspiring pictures allowed me to
develop a unique style. I love to paint scenes of lighthouses, flowers, vintage
cars, cobble stone streets, seascapes, landscapes and especially narrow street
scenes.
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| New York Lights |
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| Vintage Creek |
Which artists are you most influenced by?
Thomas
Kinkade and Andrew Tischler are my hero’s and my role models.
Thomas
painted realistic, pastoral, and idyllic subjects. He used glowing highlights and pastel colors which I adore. I
admire the scenes such as gardens, streams, stone cottages, lighthouses and streets
that he painted. Like Kinkade I also have the passion to capture memories and to
evoke and emotional connection in a painting.
I also adore Andrew Tischler’s magnificent,
beautiful and imposing realistic landscapes. He seems to pour himself into the
paintings – something I similarly attempt to achieve.
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| Painting by Andrew Tischler |
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| Painting by Thomas Kinkade |
Do you do commissions?
I
have done a few commissioned pieces for friends and family and I will gladly
accept any requests from other art lovers.
Which medium gives you the
most joy?
I
personally love painting in oil. The
colours and textures of oil creates eye-catching works of art. Oil paintings
are easy to care for, it is only required to use a damp cloth to get the dust
particles off.
How did you make this piece?
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| Table of Serenity |
If you look at the picture and detail you will notice that
I developed a unique style. I love to
contrast the rough mountains and the coarse sea sand with the softness of the
deep-blue sea, the white foam and the lighter shades of the sky. This way I am
trying to, in my own personal way, reflect calmness and serenity in an old,
much-explored setting.
How important are titles to your artworks?
Titles are really significant as it directs the viewer of
the artwork to firstly identify the artwork and secondly to put the piece in
perspective and appreciate the underlying meaning. The painting then “speaks”
to the viewer and makes them feel they are actually there themselves.
Can I see your studio?
Make creativity happen:
1. Create space.
2. Sit down and breathe.
3. Work when stimulated and enthusiastic.
4. Cultivate purposeful connection
5. Try new things.
6. Engage with topics and processes that are totally different.
1. Create space.
2. Sit down and breathe.
3. Work when stimulated and enthusiastic.
4. Cultivate purposeful connection
5. Try new things.
6. Engage with topics and processes that are totally different.
The favourite part of being an artist is being my own boss in my studio and not having to answer to anyone else in what I create.
What should artists do these days to market their art?
Artists
should present and promote their art on as many social media platforms as they
can, Examples are Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and art websites.
Where can prospective buyers see your work?
Some of my art I just give away as gifts. The rest of my
artwork can be viewed on the SA Art Explosion online portal at this link:
I never held an exhibition before but I am hoping to do so
someday.
What would you do different if you had the change and opportunity?
I wish I could learn more about the intricate techniques
and details about creating a three-dimensional illusion on a two-dimensional
surface and the science of light and depth (eg. atmospheric perspectives).
What role does the artist have in society?
The unspoken expectations of society are the fears of an
Artist. We as artists must commit ourselves to be a creative contributor
towards society and believe in ourselves.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be true to yourself, don’t give up, learn by doing and keep your mistakes close!
Thank you Amelia, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and we wish you a wonderful art life!
Regards
Steph
