Artist Interview: Pierre Knobel

Pierre Knobel inspires me. I have known him for quite some time and I even have one of his landscapes hanging right next to my desk. His attitude towards life is inspiring and his work diverse and beautiful. Here is the interview I conducted with him a couple of weeks ago*… Enjoy!

How long have you been a practicing artist?

Since I was a child, I also had art as a subject at school until Matric after which I studied art at the Pretoria Technicon. My first exhibition was in 1984 in Johannesburg were I did miniature and micro miniature watercolour landscapes. I’ve had about 25 exhibitions since then – two of which were in the Bank Towers foyer in Perth, Western Australia.

I also had works in the Una Van Hall Art Gallery in Perth and donated every year for 5 years a painting on an auction to the Cambodia children’s project. I was chosen to present South Africa in 1994 in a one man exhibition at the Admirer Gallery in Sophia.

What about other exhibitions?

Most of my Exhibitions were at private houses or at venues. In 2001 I was asked to exhibit with other Artists at the opening of the Voyer Gallery for Modern Art in Brooklyn, Pretoria. In 2005 I was invited to exhibit my works with other Artists at the opening of the Gallery for Modern Art in Port Alfred.

In 2010 I had an exhibition in Cape Town were some of my works are now in the Art Gallery in Riebeeck Stad. I have works which are exhibited at the moment in the Chris Tugwell Gallery in Brooklyn, Pretoria and I am planning an exhibition with 2 new Artists in September in Pretoria this year.

Why did you become an artist?

It is in my blood and it is my passion. My late Mother was an artist and my Father’s Mother was very artistic.

Tell us about your work – what is it about and how would you describe your style?

I paint in 5 different styles:

South African landscapes:

It is said that my landscapes have the feel of Pierneef although I never tried to paint like him. The works are mostly of the Western Transvaal where I grew up. The style is Expressionistic and very colourful. I also do landscapes in the Impressionistic style. All landscapes are done in Acrylic.

  

Still lives:

Mostly of Tulips and St Joseph Lilies. The style is Realistic with a hint of Surrealism. All paintings are done in Acrylic.

Rock Art:

This style had its debut in Sophia. It is Koi Art (Bushman drawings on rock) were I sometimes combine it with Modern Art. I also do landscapes on a rock texture. Paintings are done in gesso for relief work and Acrylic.

Modern Art:

This style includes Optical Art that changes when the light falls on it during the night. Paintings are done in Acrylic and in oil, depending on style.

Tree of life:

This style is done in stained glass effect with very bright colours. One of them, titled No.13 can be viewed at the Chris Tugwell Gallery in Brooklyn Pretoria. I also paint landscapes in a stained glass effect. These paintings are done in Acrylic.

What inspires you – as an artist and as a person?

Life with all its varieties of form and colour.

How do you stay motivated?

My different styles, depending on my mood.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Paint from your heart and your soul. Don't try and paint something that people might like. Stay true to what you want to express. Never try and copy another Artist's style.  

If you want to see more of Pierre’s art, you can view it on Facebook under the name Pierre Knobel Artist. He also gives art lessons at his studio (and home) in Pretoria East. For more information, email Pierre at swiss380@gmail.com.

Blessings,

Mel

*I couldn’t possibly feature all the images of Pierre’s work in this post, but I will feature more of them in future posts.