Janet Dirksen

South Africa

• Artist Statement
  • My emotional landscapes are portrayed in an Abstract Impressionist style, of the kind inspired by Turner. Strong gestural and painterly brush marks and tactile surfaces form largely abstract areas, contrasted with fine intimate details and delicate nuanced patinas. My subject matter explores man’s influence and connection with nature, the sky and earth. This is expressed by using an atmospheric effect.
    
    Color is simplified with light, line, rhythm and shape like music constituting an inherent language. The finished painting is evolved through the application of many layers of paint. “ Accidents” of the work enable the process to go deeper and refresh the art intuitively to find a more authentic voice. My works are vehicles for contemplation, or meditation. They create space for the viewers spiritual activity.
• Biography
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    Selected Exhibitions:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    2018
    Prince Albert Open Studios exhibition
     
    2017
    KZNSA Members exhibition “Character “
    Prince Albert Open Studios exhibition
    
    2016
    Prince Albert 30cm x 40cm art Auction
    Prince Albert Art Festival “Something out of Nothing”
    Longmynd gallery Summer sings exhibition
    KZNSA Buzz Art exhibition
     
    2015
    Prince Albert 30cm x 40cm art Auction
    Prince Albert gallery “Crucibles” exhibition
    FASO Bold Brush painting competition “Entwining “ Jury’s favorite 15% of the entries for August
    “Karoo Moodscapes” solo exhibition Prince Albert gallery
    
    2014
    South African Society of Artists Members exhibition ( my painting was chosen to be used as a poster for the exhibition)
    Prince Albert 30cm x 40cm art Auction
    Prince Albert Art Festival
    
    2013
    Strydom gallery Southern Cape Artists exhibition
    Prince Albert 30cm x 40cm art Auction
    South African Society of Artists Members exhibition
     
    2012
    Strydom gallery Southern Cape Artists exhibition
    Prince Albert Art Festival “Vulnerable Landscape”
    
    2011
    KZNSA Members exhibition
    Prince Albert 30cm x 40cm art Auction
    
    
• Interview
  • Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
    Harold Voigt, I love his highly textural Abstract landscapes, consisting of horizontal bands. Atmospheric with a simplicity that is masterfully executed.
    
    Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
    Jacobus Pierneef, his distinctive style in which he captures the spirit of the African landscape. These appeal to my Design background with his use of balance, and in particular his stylised trees.
    
    If you could have only one piece of art in you life, what would it be?
    JMW Turner's "The Wreck Buoy". The light is extraordinarily beautiful.
    
    How did you get started? Did you always want to be an artist?
    After studying and matriculation in Art I went into the Textile Industry as a Textile Designer and then as a Product Design Manager. In 2011I started painting professionally as an Artist under the mentoring of Pascale Chandler.
    
    What are some of the key themes you explore in your work?
    The subject matter explores man's influence and connection with nature, the sky and earth. Clouds are a metaphor for the transience of the moment, and the force of nature.
    
    What inspired your latest body of work?
    The vast open spaces of the African landscape with its Big sky's and unique light. In essence the spirit of Africa, notwithstanding all its challenges both political, and environmental.
    
    Tell us more about your creative process?
    I use strong gestural and painterly brush marks. Tactile surfaces form largely abstract areas, contrasted with fine intimate details, and delicate nuanced patinas. The finished painting is evolved through the application of many layers of oil paint. "Accidents" of the work enable the process to go deeper and refresh the art intuitively to find a more authentic voice.
    
    What drives you as an artist?
    To express my authentic vision and spiritual response to the beauty and powerful force of nature, the sky and earth, and man's influence on it.
    
    Do you have a favorite or most meaningful work?
    I have many favorites, but I feel this is a very subjective idea, and one that does change continually, as my work progresses and develops.
    
    What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
    My solo exhibition held at the Prince Albert gallery in 2015, called "Karoo Moodscapes"
    
    What are your aspirations for the future?
    To continue to grow as an artist, and to be involved in more exhibitions locally. To aspire to exhibit Internationally in the future.