Karoo artists are inspired by the sense of history which still characterizes most of the small towns of the Karoo. Nieu Bethesda is no exception. This little Eastern Karoo town, famous for the Owl House has become a haven for artists gleaning inspiration from the town and it’s surroundings.
Frans Boekkooi
Frans Boekkooi is an emerging sculptor based in Nieu Bethesda near Graaff Reinett in the Eastern Karoo. |  |
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landscapes contrasted by the rugged mountains, cliffs and valleys of the Karoo. Frans Boekkooi, working out of the artist enclave of Nieu Bethesda near Graaff Reinet shares a deep love for the Karoo and incorporates these feelings of nostalgia and simplicity into his work. Frans Boekkooi."I would like to think my work says: life is beautiful. That everything is possible and if you can see it in your minds eye, it can be done.” Frans Boekkooi was introduced to sculpture at the age of fourteen and won his first major sculpture award (ATKV) at sixteen. He received the 'Best on Show' Award at the 2000 EPSAC Annual Exhibition. His work features in collections in the UK, US, Australia, China and Holland, as well as the Presidents Collection. Frans is a sought-after commissioned artist who works from ideas and / or photographs to the client's specifications and achieves an astounding likeness to the subject. Among his clients are architects, interior designers, corporate buyers and art lovers who want an exclusive and personal work of art. All of these sculptures are cast in acrylic resin and come in limited editions of between 7 and 14 sculptures per edition. They are also available in bronze on order. Prices are negotiable. The Karoo is Frans' inspiration and he speaks freely of the place and ambiance which inspires his work. "We live in Nieu Bethesda in the shadows of Compassberg. There, at the old blacksmith's house, inspiration locates me with ease. My sculptures feed off the nostalgia of innocent times, lost in thought or activity. Sometimes they even embody the thoughts or pictures born in a moment – but every piece has meaning. To me, at least, they speak.” At present Frans' work can be seen at his studio in Nieu Bethesda and the Chocolat Gallery in Graaff-Reinet. For more info and orders Contact Us or phone 082 865 2699 or go to Frans Boekkooi or Nieu Bethesda |
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