Name: Wesley van Eeden
Hometown: Durban
Favourite colour: Blue

What was your inspiration or the idea behind your Verb design?

I was inspired by a speech that was against the war in Iraq.

Could you briefly explain the process you went through in creating this work?

I read a lot and am interested in creating work that is influenced by the things I would like to change in this world. I might read something that really strikes a chord in my heart or a song that I hear – but this artwork was really inspired by the words used in the speech that highlights the fact how important we are as individuals to make positive change in this world. I am tired of seeing artwork that says nothing and just looks cool.

What music were you listening to while you were creating your graphics for the Verb range?

I don’t normally listen to music while I work – I find it quite distracting.

Did you have any formal art education, or are you self-taught?

I am self taught but I also went to private lessons before I went to University to get my Btech Degree in Graphic Design. My high school was so bad that we did not have the option to do art – only Rugby!! I would not have been accepted if I had not done those private lessons.

What sort of full-time work do you do currently? Are there any other projects you’re involved with at the moment?

I teach a couple hours a week at Vega part time in Durban now – this pays the rent and gives me time to do the things I really want to do. I am working on an exhibition for the end of the year hopefully in Cape Town. I am also involved in an exhibition called “he said / she said in the States. Its got some famous people in it like Banksy and Blek le Rat. You can check it out here: fashionbenefit.org Its happening soon!

What sorts of mediums do you work in and what do you enjoy about it?

I enjoy all meduims! bring it on! Right now I am enjoying merging my paintings with digital print outs of my vector line work. I am interested in working with music sometime hmmm.

Do you do anything else for fun other than making art? I hang out with my wife!! Hello Meg!! I love you my Suga Brumpet! We ride our bikes – way before it became trendy and lame. I like hiking, skateboarding, the beach, picnics, hanging out with good people and helping out building vegetable gardens for the poor…thats the best.

Who are some of the artist’s whose work you enjoy or take inspiration from?

Margaret Kilgallen, Jim Houser, Frida and Jeff Soto have been my all time heroes for a long time now.

How do you feel about being an artist living and working in South African?

For me I battle – I don’t have many artistic friends in Durban – most of them like Rugby and Beer – freaking losers.
I would love to get a residency in Venice or something.

Do you have any plans for 2010 such as art shows, travels or new styles to explore?

I would like to go to Spain this year with my wife – but planning a show in Cape Town for end of the year. If anyone can hook me up a rad space – let me know!

Do you have any websites or blogs that people interested in your work should check out?

Yeah check out my website: hopeproject.co.za
Blogs? whats that?

Tags: Art, Design, Durban, Verb, Wes Van Eeden
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