David Kantey

?Self taught I spent 25 years in a community of artists called Simran Batik where I learned the whole spectrum of batik from fabrics to pictures. In 2000 we went our separate ways and I then moved into acrylics as my preferred medium. I love its flexibility and one has to work fast to keep blends smooth. With many layers one starts to approach the same depth as oils. I am fascinated by light and am always trying to capture something special on the canvass about light and how it illuminates a moment instead of just painting a scene. My work is hugely influenced by nature in its entirety but largely the ocean and I have recently begun to experiment with a more abstract texture of the microcosm of nature and it is portrayed in a few of the represented work in the early stages of my growth in this direction. I have not exhibited as a whole since leaving the community but run a successful business from my home studio in Plettenberg Bay. Recent ventures include the purchase and restoration of a 19th century building in Calitzdorp on the R62 which will be open in 2007 as a joint gallery with 3 other artists.?