A few semesters ago I had the pleasure of meeting South African based artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and painter, Wesley van Eeden. He was invited to Queens College to participate in our school's program "The Year of Africa." During his time here he collaborated with the art students at Queens College to create a painting for the program. You can now find the painting beautifully displayed in our very own library at Queens College.
We have stayed in touch since then and I feel it's about time that the rest of the world can meet Wesley.
We know that your art is influenced by the community in Durban. What do you feel is currently influencing your work right now?
Right now I am influenced by the younger generation in South Africa. It's great to see what younger creatives are doing with what they have around them over here. There is a youthful and passionate energy that has a different perspective on South Africa. As you get older it's hard to keep your eyes fresh with a positive outlook. I used to do a bit of teaching a couple years ago and I miss that interaction with (students) leaving that are beginning their journey into a creative field; that energy can be infectious.
What are you currently working on?
This year I have focused on building my illustration work for clients across the globe. Durban is such an isolated place which has its pros and cons. It's an exciting time as I get to do work for people from all corners of our planet! I am so thankful for the internet. I am slowly working on some new artworks that will be part of an exhibition hopefully later this year while also working towards doing more exhibitions overseas. This particular exhibition focus is on a theme of positivity. I do battle with a mild dose of depression and the exhibition will be part of the "Resoborg Urban Upliftment Program" - a term I coined on the free art I give away from time to time. I post clues on Instagram and Facebook of where the art is hidden in the city and people have to go find the work. So the exhibition will give the opportunity to buy work but also invite people to go find some of the work that I will hide nearby. I am also planning on some new murals in and around Durban. One of them will be at an orphanage; there are a lot of orphans in South Africa.
How did the trip to Queens College affect you? Was your perspective on the world changed, positive or negative? Do you feel that your art and voice is as needed here as it is in Durban?
My trip to NYC and Queens College really was life changing and a dream come true. I love so many things that are in NYC; especially the NYC Hardcore scene in late 80's and 90's. The first thing that really shifted was just how insignificant I felt when visiting. The urban sprawl really was intense for me; considering you can walk through my cities length in 20 minutes gives you a sense of how considerably smaller my hometown is. I loved the energy that I found at Queens College, a lot of the students worked late in their studio's and there seemed to be a really nice community of friendship with the students there - I really miss that vibe. Our local university is nowhere near as nice as Queens College. Also before coming over I always had the impression that it was "easier" in the States for an artist or musician but after seeing the problems and hurdles that Americans encounter, I realized that in life you gotta make the most of what you got. I certainly think that there are advantages of being there but my perspective did shift from a "damn I wish I lived in New York" to "what can I do to be of value to the community back home." I think all art and music is needed everywhere if it's honest and coming from the right place. I'd love to come back but I think things like murals, for example, have a much stronger need in places like South Africa, and other third world countries, where people face really severe realities. Murals can play a huge role in uplifting a community and spreading a positive message.
What is your current “voice” saying to you?
I really do feel since my trip overseas that I need to look at how I can supply my graphic design, illustration and murals to communities around me in South Africa. Especially in areas that are lacking positive energy.
What made you decide to become a full-time artist and how did that affect your family life?
I guess it's a typical answer but I think I have always been attracted to drawing and being creative since I was young. I actually see it in our 4-year-old son who loves drawing too! It was one of the activities that I seemed to be good at - I actually struggled at school with maths and science and my parents were really worried about me! Studying Graphic Design gave me a strong foundation for employment but I still felt quite empty. Like I mentioned earlier I do suffer from some dose of depression and when I create personal work there is something in that process that makes me feel better. I can't really explain it but I think it's something that I was born to do, as cliche as that may sound. So I don't think I chose to become an artist, it haunted me until I gave in. My wife is supportive of my career although it can have its challenges as it can become a time-consuming occupation. I try my best to have a good life/work balance and obviously I love spending more time with the family now that our son is around!
What’s your advice for artists today?
My advice to artists who want to make it "livable career" is to really understand how business works. Do a short business course and get an accountant. To really make it financially viable you'll need to put 60 percent into promoting your work and 40 percent into creating good work. Just keep working and being honest with the work that you create. Get off blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram, and look at your community, heritage, family, and local culture to create your unique voice. Keep working and if you honestly enjoy what you create for yourself someone will eventually appreciate what you are creating.
Discover more of Wesley's work here!
