Wrinkles, a few paint brushes and a good eye

Mariselle Stofberg
Demarscho Mouton and Genice Ockhuizen

Nina smit is an exceptional, talented and outstanding young artist. So much so that she achieved first place for her age group in the Tygerberg International Eisteddfod. Her incredible drawing of her grandmother was the winning artwork and it received highest honours. We sat down with young Picasso and asked her the following questions:

What inspires or drives your artwork?

I have always really loved drawing faces especially the elderly. I think it’s because of the wrinkles and all the detail in drawing them. I just love it!

What types of art are you most drawn to?

I have a few pieces which are abstract but most of my work is usually observation.

What themes do you pursue?

Mostly people and I have drawn dogs. I haven’t really tried landscapes but who knows? Maybe I’ll try soon.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone who is interested in becoming an artist?

I actually do have something to say about this. I would say that if they are ever bored, instead of turning on the tv, that they should just draw. They should just sit down and draw whatever pops into their head first, even if it’s something they don’t like to draw. I actually noticed that in order to do art that you should have an eye for it. For example, you need to be able to see where contrast is needed and if the proportions are correct. Most of your talent should actually be in your eye.

What’s some of your early memories when you started doing art at WHS?

You won’t believe it but I literally could not even shade when I was in grade 8. If I look at some of my work in grade 8 I can’t believe I did it. I even drew a little grey shoe and now I can even draw my grandma. In fact, the first time I drew my grandma was in grade 9 and it was actually already good and so I drew it again this year. The thing is you don’t think you can improve but I learned that you always can improve.

Which of your pieces is your favourite?

Well, there are different categories like if it’s animals then it’s my dog that I like to draw and if it’s people then I definitely like to draw my grandma. I actually think that what I like to draw usually isn’t my best work, for example I really like charcoal drawings but they are not my best work.

How did the competition help with your progress moving forward?

For me, it was a beginning to much more. It was like the first step to success to me. I actually entered one of my pieces into another competition and now I’m waiting in tension to see what happens. I also feel like it’s the only place where I can actually get real recognition for my work cause I’m not really a sport person. It really made me feel special.