We’re getting to know another Challenge Winner! This time we’re sitting down with Rentia Ferns who on our Cat challenge.
Rentia grew up in the Eastern Cape. She says she has always had an inherent love for animals and art.
“I never doubted wanting to pursue a career as an artist, creating has always been a driving force within me – an integral part of who I am. After matriculating, I studied B.A. Fine Arts at UFS. As a student I participated in numerous exhibitions, competitions and workshops. When I later returned to my hometown, where I live on a smallholding outside Port Elizabeth, I found a niche in the art market with a high demand for art classes in my area.”
So began a long journey of teaching art to young and old from her studio.
“Most of my students join my classes as young children and continue into adulthood, becoming like family. It is only recently that I decided to reduce the number of students in order to make time to focus on my own art again.”
Rentia describes her art as being something internal – a spontaneous flow from her inner self into something concrete.
“Especially in my earlier years as an artist, I was striving to confront the viewers with sometimes upsetting images exploring the intricacies of the human psyche. At the same time I wanted to show beauty in something that comes across as shocking or gory at first glance.
A good example of this is an expressionistic oil painting consisting of four panels, named Rorschach I – IV, depicting a carcass with the ribcage progressively becoming wing-like, a beast trying to flee from itself.
This related to depersonalisation and losing contact with reality. I was very honoured when this artwork was awarded the EPSAC David McGregor trophy for the “Best on Show” award in 2005.
In the past, the deeper meaning that I wanted to convey was of utmost importance to me. I did daring art, including performance art, installation art and multimedia.
Whilst that will always appeal to me, I now also enjoy doing portraits of animals and wildlife. I am inspired by interesting textures and compositions, dramatic lighting and expressions.
I strive to capture the essence of each animal. I love pushing colour and exploring mark making. I would like to do more human portraits and figure studies in the future as well.”
At the moment Rentia is working primarily in soft pastels.
“I cannot do without Clairefontaine Pastelmat, with light blue being my favourite. I find the possibility of layering this surface provides invaluable when it comes to drawing realistic fur. I love Unison soft pastel sticks and also use a variety of pastel pencils and Panpastels. Other dry media I enjoy is charcoal and graphite.”
Rentia laments her lack of time – as many of us seem to do!
“My biggest challenge as an artist was to find enough time and space for my own creations whilst using the same studio for my independent art school during the week.
I am a messy, expressive painter and with oil paints taking long to dry, it was near impossible to paint and teach.
When I rediscovered soft pastel it was a game changer for me. Now I have my drawing table with Daylight lamps set up in my studio and can work without having to clean up constantly. I now have time to draw during the mornings and teach evening classes. My regret is not having pursued this medium earlier! Having focused on teaching for such a long time, I inevitably removed myself from the art world for many years. The challenge I am thus currently facing, is marketing myself as an artist and making the effort to promote my works. “
I ask Rentia what she would consider her biggest accomplishments so far.
“One of my biggest accomplishments was having two of my works selected and being a finalist in the prestigious ABSA L’Atelier in 2002. Another proud moment was receiving an academic prize for best art student from the UFS Art department in 1999.
Last year I had the privilege to illustrate a children’s book, something I’ve always wanted to do. It was such fun, something completely different. The book is called “Gordon finds a home” by Pauline Cordell.”
“What makes me laugh most is when people hear I’m an artist, and their response of asking what my real job is! It also boggles my mind when people expect work to be done for free.”
I ask Rentia what she would wish for if she found a genie in a bottle – and I love her response!
“I would definitely ask for time first. Time is something no money can buy and time wasted is forever lost. It would also be amazing if art supplies never ran out! Something I would still like to try is making my own paint with pigments.”
Rentia, thank you for sharing a little about yourself and your journey. I know how often I tend to also put my art on the backburner for everything else that needs to be done. Good on you for making your art a priority!
