Interview
Dirkje Daling
Dirkje Daling lives and works in Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape, Karoo, South Africa. She works mostly in oils on canvas, but enjoys mixed media as well, often incorporating elements from nature.
She has been involved in numerous group exhibitions across South Africa. In 2014, Dirkje opened Infinity Gallery in Nieu-Bethesda, where she exhibits and sells her work to local and international collectors.
To Dirkje, art is her language; her way of communicating with the outside world.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I studied mathematics at Stellenbosch University where I graduated with a B.Sc Hons in 1998. After two years of working as an actuarial assistant, I decided to go into the arts full time.
During this time, I was greatly influenced by the late Larry Scully, head of Arts Department Stellenbosch University, as I served as his agent for a while. We became good friends. This was shortly before his death. With long conversations about art, philosophy and music, I am so grateful for what I learned from him.
After the death of Larry Scully, I bought most of his art-book collection from his wife, Christine, and considered these to be my studies, working through them at a slow but steady pace.”
“My work often lends itself towards the conceptual, portraying what I would like the viewer to give some thought to.”
What inspires you most?
“The concept of infinity/eternity inspires me — the knowledge that, as with a mathematical fractal, the beauty and mystery of life and the possibilities to be explored are endless. I was brought to tears when I saw a Mandelbrot Zoom (fractal zoom) set to the Moonlight Sonata on YouTube for the first time! The endlessness of it all is what I aim to say through art. At other times, I love just immersing myself in the wonder of it all, and trusting that the viewer will share some of the joy experienced while creating the work.
I also find music very inspiring, and the link between sound and color, rhythm and shape. The challenge to portray on canvas what you experience when immersed in music is what I am currently working on.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Through my work, I want to invite the viewer to ask questions on the topic being considered, in order to create awareness or invoke knowledge of a possible lack of awareness, whatever the situation might be. At other times, I want to lose myself in the process of creating, and trust that the joy and inspiration will flow through the art and keep on communicating after it’s done. I want to create hope.”
How would you describe your work?
“My mathematical and musical background can be seen quite clearly, as I enjoy coding and repetitive patterns as in music and mathematics. And as with music, I want the experience to be much more than merely shapes, but to communicate something that can sometimes not be said in words.
I enjoy pointillism as well and the challenge it brings to play with color, but I do not limit myself to that style.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Walter Meyer's use of color, Larry Scully's romanticism and Helen Martin's determination have all had some influence on my work.”
What is your creative process like?
“It depends on the kind of work. Sometimes it broods in my head for weeks, then I slowly but surely start putting it on canvas, allowing the meditative process to lead me. Other times, I cannot stop working, and desperately need to finish the piece I’m working on before I can walk away.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist aims to create awareness about needed issues, as well as to create hope in an often cruel world, and inspire through a different source other than words or music. I want the viewer to walk away with a thought or emotion that can assist their journey on this planet.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have been involved in numerous group exhibitions across South Africa, and I’m the owner of Infinity Gallery in Nieu-Bethesda, where I have been exhibiting my work.”
Website: www.artinfinity.co.za
Instagram: @KarooCollective
