| Biography |
I was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1973. My formal art education began in high school, where I majored in Graphic Art in 1991. I went on to study B. Comm Communications Management at the University of Pretoria, receiving my degree in 1995. Currently I am enrolled at UNISA and in my third year of Bachelor of Visual Arts. My travels started with a student exchange program to the USA, where I worked on a ski-resort in Vermont for 6 months. After the USA, I went to the UK for 2 years, where I spent most of my time working in a family-owned hotel in Wales, with regular trips exploring Europe. I returned to SA for about a year, when I decided to continue my travels to the UAE in 1999, where I currently reside. I got married in January 2005, to a wonderful supportive man which has made it possible for me to pursue my dreams. I am travelling to more exciting destinations whilst concentrating on building my art career. My earlier works were inspired by my memories of Africa: the sights, sounds and colours of the vibrant and versatile people, the struggled history of Apartheid and the hopes and dreams of the future. My influences came from Bushmen rock drawings, as well as SA artists such as Walter Batiss and Judith Mason. I was also influenced by other antipodean cultural and tribal art, enjoying the use of line and rhythm, and lots of colour in my work. My recent works have developed out of my research for my degree work. My second year, I explored my interests in using the female body and mentality; obsessions with body image and diets. I enjoyed using my own body as a canvas for my concepts. Introduction to new techniques, especially multi-media and the use of technologies have opened a new field of interest for me. I particularly enjoyed making stop-frame animations and video works, touching on performance art. This year, my third academic year, I am using my own personal relationship as a starting point for my concept. Married or 7 years, I first wanted to investigate the 'seven year itch', but with looking deeper into my relationship, it was the 'absence' that became the dominant catalyst for my explorations. I would love to hear feedback of your impressions of my work. Please Contact Me if you would like to share your thoughts. Thank you Stephanie Neville |
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| Teachings: 2010- 2012 Workshop Facilitator (part time). thejamjar, Dubai, UAE 2012 Art Facilitator, Little Stars and Seven Oaks British Nurseries, Sharjah, UAE Exhibitions: Solo: May 2011 Coffee shop whispers, Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah, UAE April 2008 Out of Arabia, Ibis Hotel, Dubai, UAE. Sep- Oct 2006 Out of Africa, Ibis Hotel, Dubai, UAE. Group: February 2013 Unisa 3rd Level Selected Visual Arts and Multi Medie Student Exhibition, UNISA Art Gallery, Pretoria, RSA May 30, 2012 Group exhibition, Millionaires Business Club, Meydan Hotel, Dubai, UAE. February 2012 Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival, Dubai Festival City, UAE. November 2011 Art Exhibition at International Conference: Animals in Law and Society: Perspectives from Africa and Beyond, Unisa, RSA. Celia de Villiers, Nathani Lüneburg and Ciara Struwig are the curators for this exhibition. June 2011 Joint Exhibition, Egypt court, Ibn Batuta Mall, Dubai, UAE April 2011 Joint exhibition, Kambaa lounge, The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina, UAE. February 2011 Dubai International Jazz Festival, Dubai Media City, UAE. February 2010 Dubai International Jazz Festival, Dubai Media City, UAE. February 2009 Dubai International Jazz Festival, Dubai Media City, UAE. October 2008 ARTE Art & Photography exhibition, Time Square Mall, Dubai, UAE. Aug 2008 Art Oasis, Wafi City, in conjunciton with thejamjar & Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai, UAE. July 2007 Art & Fashion, Bur Jurman Mall, in conjunction with Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai, UAE. March 2007 Dubai International Jazz Festival, Dubai Media City, UAE. December 2006 Ideal Home Show, Airport Expo Center, Dubai, UAE. October 2006 Breast Cancer paint off, with thejamjar, Bur Jurman Mall, Dubai, UAE. August 2006 Art Oasis, Reef Mall, Deira, in conjunction with Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai, UAE. July 2006 ARTE Artists, Mercato Mall in conjunction with Dubai Summer Surprises and Dubai Autism Center, UAE. June 2006 World of Fashion and Luxury Products, Hyatt Regency, Dubai, UAE. April 2006 ARTE Artists, Presotto Furniture and Accessories, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE. December 2005 Art & Fashion, Jam Jar & Bur Jurman, Dubai, UAE. AWARDS: February 2013 Excellence Award- Visual Arts Unisa 3rd Level Selected Visual Arts and Multi Media Student Exhibition, Unisa Gallery, Pretoria, RSA. Media and Press Releases: December 2011 Time Out Sharjah magazine interview May 2011 Travel Arabia magazine May 2011 Ahlan magazine January 2011 The National newspaper interview January 2007 Appearance & Interview on That Woman Show, City 7 TV December 2006 Double Page spread & Interview in Inside Out Magazine November 2006 Interview with Siobhan Leyden on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM October 2006 Half page interview in The Gulf Today newspaper Various 2006 Inside Out, Gulf News Tabloid, 7 Days, Emarat Al Youm, Evening Post, Connector, Aquarius, OK, The Gulf Today. Various 2005 Dubai Eye 103.8 Fm interviews, Connector, Inside Out, Emirates Home |
CV
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