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ituated in the residential area of Kloof approximately 15km out of Durban, a thatched gallery blends into its surroundings. This is the Bonisa Private Gallery – the brainchild of Neil and Liesel Wright – which houses works of renowned as well as up-and-coming artists. Carl Roberts, too, is entwined in its history as he was the first artist to showcase his works in the Gallery.
It, therefore, seemed to be a natural step for Neil – who had already written and published one book – to decide to publish a book about Neil and his works. It’s not often that one gets the chance to write about an artist who is still alive,’ says Neil, ‘and once one book is published it could act as a stepping stone to another.’
‘Meeting Carl Roberts’ is a self-published biography which has been divided into three distinct chapters and includes a ‘gallery’ of pictures of Carl’s work.
Carl is a down-to-earth person who views his sculpting as a full-time occupation. As a result he keeps a fairly structured routine starting in his studio between 7am – 8am and only finishing in the late afternoon. Concentrating mainly on working with driftwood and whale bone means that he can often be found combing the beaches for material – he is one of very few who have a beach permit which as no easy task to attain. However, saying this doesn’t mean that he doesn’t keep his eye out for other materials which can lend themselves to being sculpted into a magnificent piece. For instance Carl has produced some work with Azalea roots which is absolutely astounding.
Over the years Carl’s work has evolved. ‘As I’ve grown in confidence and technique I have been able to take on certain ideas and challenges and go bigger.’ He doesn’t take on much commissioned work but rather prefers to sculpt individual pieces of his own choice. ‘I’m fortunate that I can do exactly what I want and manage to sell the pieces,’ he says. ‘I have been able to experiment and be successful. Working with bone and wood means that I have far more latitude with my pieces – the bone being hollow is a much more controlled medium which is complementary as a medium with wood which can be sculpted into shape.’
Carl produces approximately a piece a month but there are times when a work takes longer – for instance he is currently working on a project which has taken seven months. It is not common, however, that he gives up and turfs the piece. ‘I would rather look at a piece for a week or more than chuck it – once that has started it is just so easy to become a routine.’ This doesn’t mean that his original ideas aren’t adapted – often the pieces are refined.
Stimulation
‘Initially by the material itself and trusting the sub-conscious’ this means that a piece can be influenced ‘by what’s happening in my life’. This has resulted in pieces which are totally unique.
The book
To find out more about Carl Roberts and his work add ‘Meeting Carl Roberts’ to your coffee table collection. At present only 1 000 copies have been printed and are selling at R275. For further information or to purchase contact the author and Gallery owner, Neil Wright on email: bonisa47@mweb.co.za or phone +27 31 7640288 (for locals 031 7640288). The book is also available at the Gallery which has an Open Day on the first Sunday of every month or by appointment.
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