New images of art are a key element of the recent renovations at Rhulani and part of the concept "RhulaniNEXT". We met the famous artist Sharon Boonzaier who manufactured the new artwork, perfectly matching our new design.

Over the past twelve months, several changes have taken place at Rhulani. It was to refresh our design, without changing the special atmosphere, which gives our guests the feeling of connecting with nature and living in harmony with the environment.

A central part of the renewals were the new art paintings for the private chalets of our guests. In our evaluation we finally chose Sharon Boonzaier, a well-known South African artist, who operates a studio in Cape Town. We found that her beautiful works of art fit perfectly into our new design concept. Themes of nature and African culture, based on traditional schemes, but with refreshing elements, was fully in line with our plans. We also had the opportunity to incorporate in the new art a touch of our new color "yellow", symbolizing the sunrise.

We have met Sharon, to get to know her and her thoughts about art, nature and the Rhulani project.

Sharon, can you tell us a bit about you and about your work? 

Sharon B: I am proudly South African and draw my inspiration from our beautiful, natural, indigenous environment.  From as far back as I can recall, I have always been creating, drawing and painting. As a fellow artist said to me years ago: “the world needs a bit of magic! Capturing natural imagery creates windows through which the viewer can be refreshed and reminded of our natural environment and hopefully be inspired to protect and respect it!” I like the spontaneity that ink possesses. It likes to move and doesn’t like to behave. If the colours mix, drip, bleed, smudge then its okay. This is where that magic is captured. I also work a lot in oils and the challenge is to try to maintain the same level of free-flowing movement and spontaneity. 

Can you give us the reason why your artworks often feature topics of South African nature and people?

Sharon B: Colour! Pattern! Texture! One cannot be afraid to use these if you are South African. The rules get broken at this end of the planet. Bright bold pattern juxtaposed next to animal print and thick raw textures flow out of African style and it is completely free and expressive. It shouts at you and one can't help but be influenced by it.

What should owners of safari lodges consider when they invest into artwork? 

Sharon B: The art and craft sector of South Africa is of a very high standard. Decor items get sent all over the world and adorn the most glamorous of living spaces. Most craft companies support community skills development programs and it is therefore important for lodge owners to incorporate local design and art in support of these community projects and artists. South African decor and design plays on a world platform and it is always wonderful to see visitors appreciate and be inspired by our local skill for the excellence that it is. 

What are the inspiring elements of our region, the North West Province?

Sharon B: Unfortunately I have not travelled to the Madikwe area yet, but I have been a bit further north into Botswana and east into the Kgalagadi Park. In Botswana, we went on a cycle tour, watching the elephants. It was incredible! I will certainly return. I came face to face with a young elephant bull. He stood 5 meters away from me across a dry river bed. He was "hiding". His face was hidden, except for one eye and two massive ears sticking out from above the small tree. He was looking at me and I saw him and it was a quiet, terrifying, long, beautiful moment that I will never forget! 

 

About Sharon Boonzaier: Sharon is an established artist and designer, exploring a wide variety of creative mediums ranging from sketching and oil paintings to murals and lighting. She was inspired to create her own pieces after working in the advertising and film industry and having to manufacture weird and wonderful designs in the course of her job. That was eight years ago and so Sharon B Design was born. She decided to create a variety of products from her original artworks,  all meticulously hand painted/drawn and then transferred onto heat tolerant parchment to create lampshades and tea light shades. It’s no secret that Sharon has a passion for wildlife and it shows in her Lifeforce Rhino range. Sharon is part of a group of artists, photographers, designers and film-makers who share the same passion, after realising that the Rhino is nearing complete extinction and deciding to work together to raise awareness. Her work can be seen locally and internationally. Sharon creates bold, colourful, graphic paintings depicting natural beauty, which she has transformed into a décor range of candle shades, lighting, mini canvases and fabric artworks. Her work celebrates indigenous natural beauty while encouraging people to take steps towards protecting it. Sharon B Design creations are manufactured and packaged in South Africa, supporting local employment and skills development.
http://www.sharonbdesign.co.za/