Q&A with Peter Fincham – Highlights
-An artist for more than forty years.
-Have run my own studio since 1979.
-Created fine art since 1985.
-Full-time art career since 2003.
-My wife and l live in South Africa.
Why publish a Blog about art?
For forty years l’ve had virtually no help from others. I found it a very difficult and lonely journey. Therefore, l wanted to help others by sharing insights from what l have learnt about art as well as other key areas, learnt over many years. Blogging seemed a natural choice.
The effectiveness of what l have shared can be seen by reducing the readers learning curve, and giving them greater satisfaction as they practice and develop their artistic abilities.
Why did you stay in South Africa?
A defining moment happened in 1985, when the “Release Mandela Campaign” offices were fire-bombed and gutted. My studio was very close to this “political hit.” Fortunately, no other businesses, including my own were damaged. In spite of this scare, my wife and l felt strongly that it was right for us to remain in South Africa.
Why did you move to SA?
My family emigrated from England in 1969, due to my mother’s health problems. It was a very significant decision and one that l do not regret.
Where do you live?
Near Johannesburg, a city which was built after a major gold strike in 1886.
Is it difficult to create art in SA?
In spite of the evil that one sees and hears about everyday, l choose rather to create paintings which are both pleasing to the eye as well as including a visual story within them.
How do you create paintings?
They come from prayer, inspiration and years of experience as an artist.
Who has collected your paintings?
They have been purchased by collectors in South Africa, Germany, UK, United Arab Emirates and USA.
How did tragedy open the door to greater creativity?
A severe back injury in 1984, meant the end of playing all sport. As a result, l turned to fine art. This had been my dream and potential hobby since the age of twelve, but l had never had the time to pursue it until then.
This injury caused many limitations. Over time progress was made deepening my creative skill with fine art to the point where l sell my paintings to quality private and corporate collections in South Africa, as well as internationally. s
How did you get the breakthrough?
It was a significant victory, when l completed my first painting in 1985. Especially in view of the many physical challenges l faced and overcame.
Although self-taught, my artistic skill was enhanced by a few key insights from the artist, Hannes Du Plessis.
The Crake Gallery sold my first painting in 1988.
Through a process of trial and error, l have learnt to enhance my paintings with chiaruscuro, to heighten the contrast of the paintings. To make my paintings even more timeless, I now develop my concepts using a strong visual story.
How did you learn to observe more effectively?
From the age of fifteen, when l yearned to breakthrough, l began to learn to focus and observe other artist’s and their work.
Perseverance, helped me to develop my own skill as an artist. For more than forty years it has inspired me to keep observing and learning, practising, and developing my art to an even higher level. I don’t believe that l have yet reached my apogee as an artist.
Are there other areas of skill?
I started Blogging in 2009. At the time It was a real leap of faith. It has proven to be a significant skill. My latent talent of writing has developed significantly since my first tentative steps.
So far, l have been able to write nearly one hundred original posts. Feedback has included many comments of praise, thanks and appreciation for what l have shared, enabling and equipping others with their artistic ability.
Peter Fincham
