Free Falling ... Michele Nigrini

We chatted to well known and much loved South African artist, Michele Nigrini about her recent exhibition, her life as a painter and what it's like to live as an artist in South Africa today. "In Art you learn about life," says Michele.

"iStart2 make my own dried tomatoes"

- Michele Nigrini

Michèle believes that art is a medium for the elevation of the spirit, yet her work remains rooted in the experience of everyday life. She presents images of her own surroundings, symbolizing the sustenance she draws from the environment in which she lives: household objects, landscapes and the varied structures within it, plants, trees, stones, hedges, grass, the odd image of a fish or a cow, wind mill or a bird. View her work at here or www.michelenigrini.com
 
A visit to the moodswing exhibition at the Tina Skukan Gallery before 17 September is a must! 

To listen to the interview and some of Michele's favourite music by Karin Hougaard and Karen Zoid, just click play:



Thought of the Day:

iStart2 Ambassadors in the Netherlands

Spreading the message of the Kalahari San and our indigenous people of Africa, iStart2 Ambassadors, Pops Mohamed and Karin Hougaard performed in the Netherlands this week at Herman van Veen's Art Centre near Soest. (Pictures by Elize Zorgman and Jannes Fourie)

Pops Mohamed with Coenie de Villiers at De Paltz in the Netherlands.

Have a wonderful week!

The Soul of Africa ... Karin Hougaard

A wonderful moment took place this week! Sustainability-through-Art once again became a reality. 

iStart2 Ambassadors, Karin Hougaard and Pops Mohamed handed over WakaWaka Solar lights to the NCPPDSA (National Council for Persons With Physical Disabilities South Africa). The lights worth R100k will be distributed amongst disadvantaged children with disabilities in schools as part of the wider Share the Sun initiative. "It is awesome to be part of bringing light to people. It warms my heart," says Karin.

Karin Hougaard also joined us in studio on the iStart2 Show this week. We chatted about her songs on the Soul of Africa CD compilation. They include 'A New Song', 'Quiet Love', her beautiful rendition with Philippe Elan and her wonderful collaboration on the signature song 'iStart2Sing'. Karin also expresses her views on the Share the Sun initiative and sustainability issues close to her heart

She also tells us about the exciting upcoming Afrikaans Festival, Harlekijn en de Zuid-Afrikaanse dagen, from 28 - 30 Augustus 2015, in the Netherlands. Artists who will be performing in Soestduinen include,  amongst others, Pops Mohamed, Joshua na die Reen,  Jannie du Toit, Die Heuwels Fantasties and Anna Davel. South Africans in the Netherlands have a feast of musical talent to look forward to!

Take half an hour and spend some time with this amazing and passionate woman.





Thought of the Day:

Have you ordered or downloaded the iStart2Sing - The Soul of Africa CD yet?

"The iStart2Sing cd is a wonderful rainbow of diverse artists performing on one cd" 
- Karin Hougaard

Get it from iTunes here or on Amazon here.