Outside city limits: introducing Anton van der Merwe of Starways Arts, in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1012 , vital:30191
- Description: Certain contemporary artists in South Africa choose to live in rural areas rather than in cities. This paper explores some reasons for this preference, and also looks at countercultural back-to-the-earth trends and other factors that may have encouraged some of these artists to prefer to live and work in rural settings. It is against this background that artist Anton van der Merwe is introduced and his early choices of spaces in which to work, both as a potter and painter, are examined. This background serves to contextualise his decision, made in 1992, to move home and studio from Midrand in Gauteng to Hogsback village, in rural Eastern Cape. Hardships were faced, artistic growth has been experienced, and a flourishing visual arts practice has been established by him at Starways Arts. In conclusion, it is noted that involvement in aspects of local community affairs have resulted in widespread mutual benefit.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Starways Arts: a built environment expressing holistic lifestyles dedicated to visual and performing arts in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/990 , vital:30179
- Description: In 1992, Anton van der Merwe and his life partner Gwyneth Lloyd moved from Randjesfontein Pottery in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, to an undeveloped smallholding in the densely forested rural village of Hogsback. The past 22 years have seen an ongoing process of settling down and construction of necessary buildings. This paper seeks to explore aspects of philosophical and architectural influences that served as some of the foundation stones for creation of an eclectic series of buildings, including their home, visual arts studios, a gallery, a community theatre and guest accommodation. A review of these buildings will show that Van der Merwe and Lloyd have developed an idiosyncratic construction style that incorporates alternative technology with empathetic use of natural resources, which results in organically flowing living and working spaces that are fit for purpose, have substantial presence and have minimal environmental impact.
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- Date Issued: 2014