Latest news with #LillianGrayArtSchool
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Soaring high in his journey through art
Imagine starting doodling at the age of seven, then, later on, gradually honing your skills throughout high school, only to see yourself overseas, pursuing your artistic studies further. Fourth-year fine arts student Shui Hoppenstein, from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has always been passionate about his form of art, expressing that his desire was to dive deeper into the art world through formal education. He firmly believes in pursuing one's passion, stating: 'I really wanted to study fine arts. To know more about the art world and chase my dream.' Read more: Lillian Gray Art School students make Mothers Day gifts with their own hands He recently saw his studies soar. As part of a student exchange programme, he spent three months at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in Budapest, in the graphic arts department. 'There, I learned new printmaking techniques, including stone lithography, while continuing to develop my skills in etching and drawing.' Hoppenstein was one of two students sent to Hungary, helping to establish a relationship between the two universities. He saw the experience as a rich approach on how to look at art on that side of the globe. Also read: Art at any age at Lillian Gray Art School He added that he cherished the opportunity to connect with fellow students from Hungary, appreciating the warm environment and collaborative spirit. Being an art student, Hoppenstein is very aware of the challenges that come with it, the same as other aspiring fine artists in South Africa. Yet he remains steadfast in his mission to his art. His third-year body of work centred on the challenges between old age and youth. Exploring how his generation often overlooks the inevitability of aging. 'For my research, I visited the Deutsches Altersheim, interviewing many residents about their experiences, their aging, their families, and their worldviews,' he explained. His interviewees included Ingrid Sommer and Imme Buttgen, both of whom offered valuable wisdom into the aging process. 'I also created a ten-metre artwork, inspired by one of the residents, which was displayed in the café living area of the home, before being hung in the atrium of UJ's Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture last year.' Hoppenstein draws on various life experiences. His work on aging stemmed from reflections on his own grandparents. 'I realised I do not give them as much time as I should, and I often think about how I, too, will age one day.' This year, Hoppenstein is focused on familial relationships, particularly how expectations are placed on individuals by their parents, and how people often drift away from their roles, to make their own paths in the world. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Lillian Gray Art School is proud of their young artists animal drawings
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lillian Gray Art School students make Mother's Day gifts with their own hands
What do you get a mother who already has it all? A one-of-a-kind art piece made by their child. For Mother's Day recently, youngsters and tween artists at Lillian Gray Art School, poured their hearts and creativity into crafting truly special gifts, designed to spoil the amazing mothers in their lives. Read more: Squashing the myth that mothers cant do it all Art teacher Jemma Coulson said youngsters delved into the tactile world of clay. 'With careful hands and imaginative minds, they sculpted delicate, clay flower tealight holders. Each petal, carefully formed, and every base, thoughtfully shaped.' These handmade creations, served as a beautiful testament to their love, and a unique way to brighten mom's special day. Also read: How mothers, though different, share a commonality Meanwhile, their tweens channeled their artistic energy into painting stunning mini artworks on rocks. These transformed ordinary stones into miniature canvases which they meticulously brushed with vibrant colours and intricate designs. 'These pocket-sized masterpieces, each one a unique gem, captured their individual artistic flair. The detail and care poured into these tiny artworks made them truly extraordinary,' said Coulson. Whether is was through the time it took to craft every petal on the clay flower tealight holders, or design the perfect shape and colour on the stunning rock artworks, these artists were focused on making something special for their moms. 'It was awesome seeing them put so much care into these gifts. Proof that the best presents are the ones made with your own hands,' said the art teacher. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: A mothers pledge to change a life of a child
