KWAZULU-Natal art lovers have much reason to celebrate with the return of one of the province’s established artists after being based in Cape Town for some years.
Gary Shuttleworth, who is famous for his paintings of African people and wildlife, is not just exhibiting in the province, he is home to stay.
“I grew up on a farm in Natal just outside Ladysmith, but I went to the Wits Art College in Joburg and then I moved to Cape Town. My whole family is here and I plan to retire here. I now live on a farm just outside of Pietermaritzburg where I’ve also set up a studio,” he said.
Shuttleworth said the inspiration for most of his work stemmed from childhood memories.
“My childhood friends were local Zulu children and I have happy memories of spending long days exploring the hills and countryside of the Drakensberg. From an early age I learned the customs and ways of typical Zulu village life.”
Shuttleworth said he took to art from an early age when he started sketching.
“My parents were avid travellers and undertook numerous trips into Africa. With long hours spent on the road I naturally turned to drawing to occupy my mind. Seeing all the different tribes in Africa, the wild animals and the bushveld, instilled in me something quite mystical and magical about Africa that is still with me to this day.”
The artist, who works with oils and acrylics, said he preferred oils for their richer colours and impact.
One of his greatest moments in developing as an artist was time spent exploring art in Europe.
“In 1987 I went to Europe mainly to see for myself all the great paintings and sculptures that I had so avidly studied from books as a child. This was a dream come true, the entire history of art was right there before my eyes and I soaked it all in like a sponge. I landed up in Spain and decided to stay for a while, painting and sketching the local villages and their everyday life. On returning to South Africa I decided to freelance and work for myself, painting and drawing full-time. I’ve been painting full time for 12 years now,” he said.
lGary Shuttleworth’s paintings are on show at the Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery until April 15. For info call 033 387 1356.