|
Leone Tonkinson
South African born sculptor and painter.
I started art making at the early age of six and later graduated from the Pretoria High School of Art, Music and Ballet in 1981 with a Graphic and Commercial Art - Matric Certificate and University exemption. Since then, art-making has shaped every decision in the adventures of my life.
Art is a language and it speaks for its elf…
There is so much art out there in the world and it has been executed in every possible way one could imagine, surely this gives people the freedom of choice, to read it or not? So to all those critics out there who shred young as well as developing artists under the microscope of what is art?´ – Move on!
Good art is that which comes from the heart, whether it’s well executed according to the likeness of visual perception, or whether it be abstract or an extension of an art following. Who can say which is more correct, surely the artists is the author?
Great art – is that which stops people in their track for a second and third look and leaves them haunted with a memory of it for days that follow.
- My lifelong habit: I never eat or drink too much of anything one thing, I am far too adventurous and my art is the same.
- My ideas come from my daily experiences and like good art – I am moved enough to act on an experience, thought or sixth sense feeling.
- I like the challenge of a new medium and experiment by testing it to the limit.
- I like developing new art making with techniques, with the determination of making them stable for longevity.
- I like changing my perspective or my approach from one painting to another and recognized it as growth.
- Often I let evolving art before me lead the way while I only focus on the basic fundaments of my experiences of what looks and feels good.
- Some days I execute flash ideas, with spontaneous gusto, while other days I pour hours of thought and understanding into one idea.
- And, no matter which Master I copy, my work still reeks of my signature, my flavor still comes through and my color philosophy still dominates, while I learn from the experience.
- I am not concerned with whether or not my art will sell, what is more important is that I only have this moment in life and that I have taken advantage of my idea and executed it with the power of now. I believe a true artist is an active one and a way of life.
- The fact remains, no matter what I create, my art will always travels through my mind and whatever lies on the canvas, either leave me with a sense of achievement, excite me or leaves me more puzzled than ever before.
Resume 2011
National Diploma Architecture, Position held: Senior Industrial Technician - specialized in the design of shopping centers, office blocks, town planning, schools and sport centers. Position held: Senior Control - Industrial Technician.
National Diploma Interior design, Position held: Interiors for The Union Buildings and The Palace of Justice.
Entrepreneur
Certificates: Photography & Sign writing
Media services: Graphic design - magazine layout artist, illustrator and political cartoonist .
Business study
FEBDEV Entrepreneurship * Public speaking
Corporate
Lecturer:
1 - CAUSE Academy: Lecturer BA Fine Art - Bridging Course
1.2- Architectural presentation.
Management
2.1. - Head artist for Willa Krause Enterprises.
2.2. - Head of pottery glaze Department and Creative Designs.
2.3. - Assistant to Production Manager.
Entrepreneur
3.1 - Koningskinders kleuterschool: Director
3.2. -Tonkinson Studios cc. Opened my first official art studio, whilst remaining an active artist by accepting commissions.
3.3. - Business Partner at the Port Elizabeth School of Fine Art
Art master
PE school of Fine Art - Head Lecturer
Blyth Fine Art Gallery - Manageress
EUROPE
In May of 2005, I took a giant leap of faith, closed TonkinsonFineArt Studios and traveled 10 000 km, to the Netherlands to complete my Sabbatical.
Business owner in Europe:
After the completion of my Sabbatical, I established TonkinsonARTmasters and The Radio Kootwijk Kunstcentrum, within three years. Another two years later I expanded into the international market with the europARTexpo, and in 2010 with TAM Gallery. In December 2011 - TAM gallery moved to new premises in Ugchelen,.
EXHIBITIONS
in South Africa: I have participated in over 314 group exhibitions in private as well as National Art Galleries, both with local and international artists.
In the Netherlands:
Solo exhibition
Hotel Oranjeoord 2006,
Art fairs
Monumentendag 2006
Winter op Radio Kootwijk 2009
europARTexpo 2009
Artistiekehanden 2007*2008*2010
Queens day 2010 & 2011
Bathmen Art Route 2011
TAM Gallery, Ugchelen
Collective exhibitions
Radio Kootwijk Kunst Centrum 2007*2008*2009*2010*2011
Monuments Day - Gebouw A
Affiliations
Radio Kootwijk Kunstcentrum* Buiten Staten* Eigen* SouthAfricanArtists.com* TonkinsonFineArtStudios * LinkedIn* TAM Gallery* TAM Studio* TAM - Art Prints* Blyth Art Gallery *Art Professionals *EPSAC *europARTexpo * GlanddigoART *exto.nl *Big foot *Art-i-motion *Artists International * BathmenARTroute *
Methodology
I must admit, I am a very shy artist, using art and art network as a platform to educate and empower other artists. I come from a large family, so I like to work within a team, surrounding myself with like minded people and to exhibit in groups.
Most of my painting are inspired whilst preparing for workshops on art techniques. Most of my art is born in the process of preparing for workshop on oil painting technique. I usually start with a good sketch, make color decisions in acrylic and then progressed into oil painting techniques and sealed the technique with an oil painting sketch . My more resent work is unique in that these painting mark the first of my new series of European paintings: I found that with my break away from my traditional South African style of realistic painting, that I did`nt get enough texture and body from my painting mediums, so I had to come up with a different approach.
Please do pop into TAM Gallery this winter for a nice warm cup of tea or coffee, whilst I am on duty there, every Friday from 14h00 - 17h00 at Bogaardslaan 10 , 7336 AH Ugchelen, the Netherlands.
|
