Lady Skollie: Modern Cave Painter Redefining South African Art

Ceri speaks with Lady Skollie, a bold South African artist who fearlessly challenges artistic conventions. From her early days at a specialist art school to becoming an internationally acclaimed painter, Lady Skollie shares her journey as a modern day cave painter and gives her experiences of gallery relationships, motherhood, and maintaining artistic integrity. Her original perspectives on the art world, cultural identity, and creative authenticity make this the perfect episode for anyone interested in the intersection of art, culture, and personal truth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lady Skollie maintains creative freedom by creating physical distance from city centres and setting clear boundaries with galleries, emphasising the importance of separation between artists and collectors.
• Her work is deeply rooted in her identity as a descendant of the indigenous people of South Africa, reimagining traditional cave paintings on a larger scale.
• Success in the art world for her, came through strategic support, including a partner who gave her two years to focus solely on art, leading to international gallery representation.
• Lady Skollie has found that physical fitness and consistent creative practice have been crucial elements for maintaining artistic productivity and mental well being.
• She challenges the modern trend of artist accessibility, advocating for maintaining mystery and separation between artists and collectors.
• Her perspective on showing work internationally reveals how art is received differently across cultures, particularly regarding themes of sexuality and cultural identity.
• She approaches commercial work by comparing potential earnings to what she could make painting, ensuring her time is valued appropriately.
• Lady Skollie also emphasises the importance of having freedom from financial pressure to maintain artistic integrity and make authentic work.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I've always wanted to be an artist."

"If you're going to go for white money, you should go for very old white money."

"I'm not someone who draws all the time, but I consistently create... I constantly think about art."

"I'm of the opinion if you're not based in a place like South Africa, it's really hard to understand what drives people here."

"Sometimes pressure makes diamonds. But I think for me, it just makes lunacy. I need freedom."

"Back in the day, I used to be known as the pawpaw and penis girl because I would just paint pawpaws and penises."

"I consider myself a modern day cave painter."

"If you don't like something, then just look away from it, but you cannot control how other people experience something."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Links: 

Instagram: 

@LadySkollie

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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