You did WHAT for Madonna?

Interview with Local South African Durban based artist: THE Bron Stofberg

When I discover a new product or service that I love, I want to know the person behind the product.  Who doesn't want to discover the source of inspiration or creativity?  I recently heard a lovely phrase about "the importance of investing in people."  People matter! So when I meet a coffee guy who roasts his own coffee beans - I want to know more about him.  When an artist produces work that touches my soul - I want to find out more about who she is.

I had the privilege of interviewing Bron Stofberg and finding out more about this very talented artist.  

Q:  As someone who has very little experience with art - how would you describe it?  What would you call your type of art?

A: If you had to put me into an artistic category, then I would be considered a contemporary artist, but art is in the eye of the beholder so if my works make you think or feel, then I have done my job! I create movements and reactions, steering the paints in certain directions to get the best possible outcome in each piece. As I don’t use a paint brush, I am a professional paint pourer! I think this gives my work an edge, something different to other artists out there! This also makes each piece unique as I cannot duplicate a piece – even though I must admit, I HAVE tried!

Q:   Was art something you did at school?  Did you always want to be an artist?  I remember being advised against taking art at school because there is no future in it - and yet I look at what you have created and I think - THERE IS!
A:  Thank you!
No, I didn’t take art at school and only actually started painting 7 years ago. I am glad I never did as I don’t think I would have been so open to trying new things and creating my own style if I had been taught what was acceptable and what was not. We are sometimes told “ the way it is”, stifling our natural urge to experiment. I have always been creative and love hobbies, but never dreamed of becoming an artist! At school I excelled in subjects that were more practical and had a creative element to them. Unfortunately, there weren’t many of those subjects!

Q:  Explain how you paint or create - how long does it take to conceptualize a piece until finished product?
A:  I think the conceptualizing part takes the longest. I plan my paintings very well. My paint is incredibly expensive so mistakes burn my back pocket! When I have an idea there is no better way than trying. I have made many mistakes and have had many canvases re-strapped ( much to my husbands dismay as he makes all my canvases!!!), but I have never let that stop me from trying again. The mixing of the paints does take the longest time as I only receive my paints in the very basic colours – black, white, brown, red, yellow and blue, every colour in between and more, I mix myself! My studio is filled with mini bottles of mixed paint, but unfortunately, my paint only lasts a few days after I have mixed the chemicals inside them, so there is a very fine line when I mix... Too much or too little! Extra is always good as colour matching is very hard and almost never exact!

I use anything from toothpicks and syringes to palette knives and a hair dryer! My best tools are certainly my hands and fingers hence the reason why I am always covered in paint!

Even the weather plays a very big part in when I can paint. If its too hot, then the paints move quickly and they merge too much creating a hot mess! If its too cold, then the paints don’t move enough! Durban’s humidity certainly helps!

Q:   What mediums do you work with when creating?
A:  7 years ago, while living in Hluhluwe ( managing several Bush Lodges on a property that my Dad developed), I got a call from my brother who needed an artwork for his home in Durban... Why he called me, I have NO idea! But, I played ( on a piece of board as painting on a canvas was very daunting!) and came up with something that he eventually hung in his home. That was the beginning... Not long after, I mixed the wrong ingredients and now have a chemist to makes up my paints for me! They are an oil-based paint to which I add numerous chemicals to get different reactions. They are exclusive and very expensive, but make my works easily distinguishable and something special.

Q:  What has been your favourite piece so far? 
A:  There have been a few! But if I had to pick one, I would choose this one. I called it the “Golden Orchid” even though I don’t normally give titles or names to my artworks! The reason for this is that my art is about movement and what it makes YOU feel and what YOU see, so if I give it a name, then its all about what I feel and see. My art can be anything!

Back to the “Golden Orchid” - this painting for me just worked so well, The choice of colours: from the soft gold to the rich, dark brown worked perfectly, the colours merged in the places where I wanted lots of movement, the circular shapes that I created worked so well on the square canvas – I’m sorry that I ever sold it!

Q:   I see you are now experimenting with buttons?
A: Well, this “new” button idea was me making a plan! The truck strike even affected one little artist in Durban, so while I waited for my paints to be mixed, I thought why not try something new! The pressure of a Christmas fair only 2 weeks away and NO stock to sell, was also a BIG motivation to have something on my stand! I am very happy with the final product and love the little artworks! I will let you know how it goes as the fair starts this Wednesday night and should I sell-out, then maybe buttons will stay!!

Q:  What's the best thing about being an artist?
A: That’s easy – Its FUN! I get to wear paint covered clothes and slippers to work, I get to paint and play everyday that I enter my studio, I make people smile and giddy like kids when I deliver their OWN masterpiece! I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Q:   What's the worst thing?
A:  It can get quite lonely, just me... My paint... And a white canvas! I do have my Mum around the corner which is the best as she is my sounding board and gets me out of those “blank wall” fazes!

Q:  How do you feel when people interpret your work differently?
A: The fact that I can get people to stop and absorb the movements and colour in a piece is very rewarding. I always get lots interpretations at my shows, some really interesting and imaginative explanations, but some see the oddest things! Either way, You cant take it to heart, not everyone is going to love your art, but there is that gem at every show that is blown away!!! It makes it all worth it!

Q:   Where do you get your inspiration?
A: Hard question! Its not something or someone that inspires me. I just have a feeling and am inspired to create. My best pieces have come about when I am left to do my own thing and push myself to try something new. I am not one of those artists who has music blaring in the background and incense sticks wafting through my studio, I like a calm and quite setting letting my mind wander as I do my thing!  

Q:  How did Madonna end up being one of your clients?
A:  I wish that I could take credit for the commission, but I was asked to paint by a South African Interior Design company that was employed to design and decorate a Post Production company that she co-owns in London. They only told me after I had completed the art who the client was! Better that way as I don’t think I could have put any paint on canvas had I known!

Q:   Any other famous people worth mentioning?  
A: Yes, a few!!! I have done lots of work for South African celebrities, Sport stars, Big companies and their private homes. One of my all time favourite commissions was being commissioned by Stephen Falcke (award winning international interior ddecorator and architect) to paint the inside panels of all of the lifts and artworks for the penthouse suites at the very prestigious Hotel in Sandton, The Da Vinci Hotel.  I was flown up, stayed in the Hotel and painted on site - with people watching me from the outside!!! It was truly a highlight in my career! I even took my Mum along!!!

Q:  Are you planning an any art shows in the near future?  Or where can we find you?
A: I have a Christmas Fair this week at the Green with Envy Nursery in Durban – this is an amazing little show as most of the items on sale are handmade and totally unique. Nothing else planned for this year as my commissions are keeping me busy - everyone wants their pieces before Christmas!
I have an extensive website which showcases lots of my works and collections, a Facebook page and you can follow me on Twitter.

Q:  Can we buy your art online? 
A: Yes, I am affiliated with many online galleries, but I like the personal, one-on-one relationship that I have will almost all of my clients. This is because I try as much as possible to represent myself and handle all commissions personally. I don’t normally carry very much stock as I paint for my shows and then in between, I paint for commissions. Most of my sales are when people contact me and have been on the website, found a piece they love and if possible, I visit their homes to give advise on size, colour and what style would work best for the space.

Q: Any other projects that you are currently working on?
A:  Yes, I have joined forces with my sister, Lisa Raleigh, in a new concept called “Health Box”. This is a box filled with her pick of healthy all sorts that’s delivered to your home on a monthly basis. My role is the Creative part – I am responsible for making the box look amazing!!!

Q:  Describe your family.
A: I must be the luckiest girl out there to have such a supportive and incredible family! From my folks who allow me to paint in their granny cottage and offer love, support, guidance and advise IF and WHEN needed! My brother and sister and their families for always being at my exhibitions, sharing my pics on Facebook, re-tweeting my “pick of the week” artwork! But mostly my wonderful husband, Nico for being there through all the ups and downs, hearing my rants and praising my accomplishments. He is MY gem. Lastly, my kiddies – their smiles and laughs, nightly massages, chats on the kitchen counter and for everything in between. I am truly blessed Y

Q:   You are a mom and artist - how do you find the capacity to do both?
A: I think all working mums have a juggling act on any given day. My life is no different. I don’t paint in the afternoons so that I can be with my kids for homework, studies, sport commitments etc. If I need to paint over the weekend or have shows, they are very understanding and I have a SUPER hubby that is very hands-on with the kids and supports me all the way! I guess it’s just about finding a happy balance.

Q:  What is the biggest challenge of the mother/artist combination
A: I would say being away from home during shows. Its hard, it never is really at the right time, but when is the right time? I can be away for up to 10 days and I try to make sure that life at home continues as per normal. Again, Nico my husband is amazing – he takes it all in his stride!

Q:  Have your children shown an interest in art?
A: Both my kids, Tegan and Matt, are very creative. We have more of their paintings and drawings in the house than mine!

Q:   What are you hoping for the future, what are your dreams and aspirations.
A:  I hope to be able to do what I do for years to come and still love it as much as I do now! I would love to exhibit in New York. I would love people to talk about and be inspired by my work. I would love to have a 6 month waiting list!!! I would love to teach kids how to “play and experiment” and not conform. I would love to travel and paint abroad. I would love that “one call” that turns me from Bron Stofberg to THE Bron Stofberg!!! Dreams....!

Interview with Kevin Baker Local South African Barista

So I told you about the coffee, that delicious aromatic flavoured, freshly roasted Arabica coffee - just thinking of it makes me think that maybe I need another cup just to keep me going. Well now I would like to introduce you to the man behind the coffee Kevin Baker.

Before I dive into the questions, he's not a barrister but a barista, as Kevin keeps telling me. Yes there is a difference. I know you thought they were the same - or is it just me? So here's a teachable moment for those of you that don't know:

ba·ris·ta

a person who is specially trained in the making and serving of coffee drinks, as in a coffee bar.

bar·ris·ter

(in England) a lawyer who is a member of one of the Inns of Court and who has the privilege of pleading in

the higher courts or any lawyer

[Source: dictionary.com]

I jumped right in and interviewed a locally brewed South African barista - and I had so many questions. Now I know a lot of you think that I am such a serious coffee drinker because of how much I love it (and how many litres I drink a day - think it's two because they say you should drink about 2 litres of water a day and I just add coffee for extra flavour) but I don't think I am the most discerning or knowledgeable for that matter. And so I was able to reveal all my ignorance on these caffeinated matters and have the expert keep me informed. Here are some of the questions I have always wanted to ask about coffee. You might have a completely different set of questions then leave a comment at the end I will ask them in the next session - but for the moment we'll just stick to mine.

Q: I am a new coffee drinker and I go to the shops and there are so many different flavours, how do you choose a good coffee? How do you know where to start?

A: I think you have to know what you want. Do you want strong coffee or mild coffee, decaf, regular, or flavoured coffee. A lot of people don't even know that you can get flavoured coffee. I think you need to know some things to make the choice. For example: There is a coffee called 'Blue Mountain' - this is a very rare and expensive coffee that only comes from a certain area in Jamaica, it's some of the most sought after coffee in the world, and most of it is sold to Japan. You can just about not get it in South Africa and if you do, its very expensive. So when you see a package in the shop that says Blue Mountain coffee, and its the same price as the Mocha Java, or 'House Blend', you can be pretty sure it's not true Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. If you look at the small print on the package you will see something like 'Blue Mountain style' coffee. I've personally never tasted any and maybe I will some day, when I go to Jamaica;)

Q: So what do you look for in a coffee?

A: For me personally I like a full-bodied coffee, I will look for something that has been roasted to the right colour - in other words something that is not too dark nor too light. If it's too light it will likely be too mild,and if it's too dark it can be too bitter, and very strong. Next I will smell it for freshness. To smell if coffee is fresh is really something that comes with experience. Also because I roast my own coffee, I know what it's supposed to smell like after it's been roasted.

Q: Is there a bad coffee maker or bad coffee? I've tried to make lots of different coffee's and a lot of them just don't taste that great. I have come to the conclusion that I must just be a really bad coffee maker.

A: It could be both. But it could also be the coffee you choose. Some coffees are poor quality. There are some coffee sellers in Europe who take beans that have been returned from supermarkets because they are past their sell by date and they reprocess it and then ship it out to the less discerning third world countries like ours.

Q: Do you ever lower your standards and drink instant?I am asking because I always wonder what coffee specialists drink and if they would ever drink anything but the best?

A: I do, I keep a small bottle of Douwe Egberts decaf in my kitchen cupboard, and I sometimes have one of these in the evening if I don't feel like firing up the espresso machine.

Q: What about decaf coffee? I have heard that drinking decaf coffee is so bad for you because it's all done chemically and that you might as well just stay with regular coffee?

A: There are two processes that I know of. The better, more expensive way, is where they use hyper-cooled CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas which is pumped through the beans at high pressure and removes almost all the caffeine, but leaves the taste profile of the beans intact. Apparently it leaves no residue at all because it's in the air anyway and we breathe it all the time, so it's not poisonous as such. The other, more economical method, is to use a chemical called methylene chloride. Product labels don't normally say anything about which process was used, but when we get our green beans it usually tells us on the bag how it was decaffeinated. I prefer the CO2 method.

Q: What is instant coffee?

A: It's liquid coffee that has been made from beans and then freeze dried - by evaporating all the moisture that is with it. They brew it like normal coffee - and then make the granules. Most of the instant coffee we get is made from a coffee variety called Robusta, which has less flavour than Arabica coffee and it has a higher caffeine content. Its also much cheaper and a much hardier bean. It grows in lower altitudes and is more pest resilient.

Q: How do I decide on which roast to choose when I choose my coffee - medium roast, dark roast?

A: Medium roast is always a safe bet - its like the middle of the road. Many people prefer different roasts at different times of the day. You might want something stronger to get you going in the morning, but you prefer a milder coffee in the middle of the day, or in the afternoon. Then in the evening, or after dinner you could want a decaf so you're not up all night. Unless being up all night is your thing..! If keeping 2 or 3 open bags of coffee in your kitchen is too much, then maybe a medium roast would do for anytime of the day.

Q: Now when we get it, it's roasted and prepacked - so what does that mean to us in terms of freshness and quality?

A: Most supermarkets sell ground coffee with a sell-by date of almost a year, which they shouldn't really do. Rather check the date of production. You can't really find super fresh coffee in a supermarket. If you go to a reputable coffee shop, their beans have not been roasted longer than a month ago and they grind it and make the coffee at the same time. If you are about to buy from a specialty coffee store or any coffee seller,ask them when the coffee was roasted. They should be able to tell you especially if they are running a coffee shop. Freshness is very important for good coffee. That's why most self-respecting coffee shops will grind their own coffee beans on site because they want to ensure that its as fresh as possible.

Q: So in fact if you go to the supermarket, if you have a choice you should buy beans and grind them yourself?

A: Yes, whole beans stay fresher for longer. Ground coffee deteriorates at a much faster rate. The general coffee rule is that roasted beans should be used within 1 month, ground coffee should be used within 1 day,and freshly made coffee should be drunk within 1 hour. The longer coffee sits on the warmer plate in a coffee shop, the more bitter it gets.

Q: Are there different types of coffee or are they categorised by the country they come from?

A: Arabica and Robusta are the two main types of coffee. Arabica is a better choice of coffee for brewing, as it has a richer, more delicate flavour. The Arabica coffee we sell is mostly from East Africa, Central America and Indonesia. Robusta has a higher caffeine content, is mostly grown in West Africa and Southeast Asia at low altitudes, and is generally used to produce instant coffee. There is probably more Robusta sold in the world than Arabica.

Q: So what exactly do you do as a judge when it comes to coffee?

A: Coffee judging is a whole other ball game. We'll have to cover that in a separate interview... :)

Local South African talent - Jeremy Olivier

You may remember the interview I did with Jeremy Olivier, a very talented South African singer.  If you have been listening to the radio recently, you will hear that his music is taking the music industry by storm. 

This family man, talented performer, singer, musician, husband is all about making music that is meaningful, fun and relevant.  What you may not know is that Nicole (his wife) and Jeremy make a remarkable team. She helps to write the lyrics, assists with his public relations and marketing, they homeschool their children and they manage their family life around his music schedule. People who have vision - and have grabbed hold of this opportunity and made it work.

Here are some of his most recent hits:

WHAT ABOUT NOW

IT"S MY TIME

BEAUTIFUL LIVE

Why not support this great artist by downloading any one or all of his songs.  And even better, why not share his songs on social media like facebook and twitter and help this music reach the rest of the world!

And if you want to stay up to date with what he is doing ?

The website has a gig guide which is updated monthly, but even better is his Facebook fan page which we update regularly and post all sorts of news/links and events information.

Interview with Jeremy Olivier: A rock star with soul!

If you haven't heard the name Jeremy Olivier - you are missing out. In fact I know I was missing out until I saw his You Tube video of Serendipity.  And so I had the awesome privilege of being able to interview him and find out more about this talented musician and to keep you all in the loop!  I thought that I had best interview him quickly before I have to make an appointment to talk to him once he reaches international stardom!

Tell me a little about who you are and your family 

Well, my name is Jeremy. I am a guitarist and vocalist, husband and father of five. We live in Capri, Cape Town and our lives are an exciting journey together. Because my work has me away from home most nights and many weekends, we spend lots of time together during the day, while most families are at work/school. Homeschooling makes that possible and enables us to really 'do life' together. We wouldn't have it any other way! Work wise, I have been privileged to play with so many wonderful musicians and some great artists in my career so far, like Johnny Clegg, Judith Sephuma, Jonathan Butler to name a few. A few big highlights have been singing backing vocals for George Benson and playing guitar for Katherine Jenkins. Besides gigging, I am also regularly commissioned to write music for various animations, like 'Bokkie' for the Springboks and 'Sharkie' for the Sharks rugby teams and TV ads as well as lots of other studio session work ... but this year, something has shifted ... it just feels like it is now my time to be seen and known as an artist. Exciting times!

Where do you originate from?

Born in Zambia, raised in Zimbabwe and moved to Cape Town in 1995 to study Jazz Performance at University of Cape Town and obtained my honours degree in 1999.

What instruments can you play?

Guitar and Bass, and a little piano and sax

How would you describe your music for the public audience if they have never seen or heard you before?

Singer-songwriter, soulful, light rock in the style of John Mayer, Jason Mraz/ The Script

Thinking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music ?

I was raised in church, so I was mostly exposed to gospel worship. My very first performance was with my dad at the age of 5, and I sang 'Something's happened to Daddy' :-)

What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music? 

I just knew at age 17 that this is what I was called to do. Nothing else was an option.

What can people expect to see at a live performance?

The audience definitely determines what is drawn out in the performance, so it is different every gig, but every time I perform I leave my heart and soul in the song. It is wonderful when people respond and are touched by the performance.

If you could describe your music in three or four words, what would you call it?

Honest, catchy, relevant, uplifting

Have you ever entered a contest to promote your music? 

I entered a Hansa Pilsner "Cool Sounds" competition about 12 years ago with the song I wrote to propose to my wife, Nicole. I came 3rd.

What are your songs about? (themes you cover)

 Love, life and hope - just can't write a depressing song! I must be a happy guy! :-)

How long have you been performing live? 

For 22 years now - I started at the age of 14 gigging and touring Zim in a rock 'n roll band. I've come a long way since then, but I am so grateful for those early experiences. Those were invaluable life lessons.

What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?

Sending our first song to radio stations and having Cape Town's biggest station (Kfm) be the first to play list it, playing it during prime time straight away! That is unheard of in this business, apparently.

If you categorise your music, what genre would it fit best?

Light rock with a soulful edge.

What are your immediate music career goals ?(next 1 to 3 years)

To break into the international market.

What is the greatest challenge for you?

I can't say there are any challenges at the moment. I have an amazing team around me with my wife as my manager and a fantastic publicist who both believe in me and are working day and night to get me out there. The musicians I play with, like Frank Paco, Shaun Johannes are like brothers to me and have really got my back (like getting up at 4am after 2 hours sleep to play with me on the Expresso show!). I am blessed with awesome people all around me!

You’ve heard of the saying “starving artists” before, how do you cope with major obstacles?

 Again, I've just been blessed with work from all angles, so I've always been able to support my family.

What does your family think of your performance and do they support you?

They are my biggest fans! :-)

Do you have any favourite types of music and is it different from what you play now?

I couldn't say I have a favourite style, I just love and appreciate all styles of music. I would say Jazz has been my foundation but music from artists like John Mayer, The Script, Jason Mraz have shaped my style into what it is now.

Do you have any other interests or talents you would like to share with us? How do you enjoy relaxation time away from your music?

I love to play golf, although I don't get to do it very often. My downtime (especially after a gig) is to catch up on sport on TV, but my favourite thing to do is to chill with my family - sitting on the veranda, glass of wine in hand, next to my precious wife watching the kids play in the garden. Bliss :-)

Does anyone in particular influence your music?

I would say George Benson, John Mayer, The Script, Jason Mraz

Tell us of the most embarrassing moment, if you care to share it with us? 

I once mistook a manager of a very prestigious restaurant for the manager at the Wimpy (they looked alike in my defence) ... we bumped into him and his girlfriend (who knew me well) at Pick 'n Pay and as she went to introduce us, I said, "Yes, I remember you. We eat at the Wimpy all the time!" To which they both forced out a little confused smile as my wife elbowed me and tried to change the subject. They must have been baffled for the rest of the day, thinking, 'What did the Wimpy have to do with anything?' Ha ha!

What are your up to date performance plans - new releases -?

I have just completed a four track EP now available for digital download .

What did you do before you got into the music industry? 

Nothing!I have only ever been a musician. I used to teach guitar at Silvermine Academy and Bishops (Diocesan College) in Cape Town, but stopped a few years ago to concentrate on performing and composing as the demand and opportunities increased.

What do you attribute to your “drive as an artist?” 

Belief that this is what I am called to do. It's so easy, like breathing.

What do you think makes you and your type of music unique from other artists?

Knowing who I am and being comfortable in my own skin - not trying to be something I'm not.

As an artist how would you define success? 

Reaching millions and touching them with my music.

Jeremy Olivier's latest music video: Serendipity

Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist?

I would like to thank my wife and manager and co-songwriter, Nicole, who is my inspiration and my best friend. My parents for always believing in me and for putting me through university. Our publicist, Noelene, for working tirelessly and being 100% committed to getting me out there. And every person in the music industry who has helped shape me as an artist and opened up doors for me in music. I am richly blessed with the best team of people around me.

How can people stay up to date with what you are doing - do you have a fan base, newsletter?

The website has a gig guide which is updated monthly, but even better is my Facebook fan page which we update regularly and post all sorts of news/links and events information.

I am so grateful to Jeremy for taking the time to answer all of these questions from someone who is clearly no music expert but loves his tunes!  Go ahead and support him!  I look forward to seeing Jeremy Olivier making waves in the music industry, and impacting many more people.

Linking up to: Raising Homemakers,