Introduction to the Interview

Gerard Kortenbout has been a professional artist (and still is) for the past 45+ years. He did formal art studies at Wits Technicon, Johannesburg - post graduate studies, and furthered his art education at the art college in Durban.

I first came to know Gerard when I saw his soulful paintings in the Image Gallery. Many of his paintings protrayed the way of life in South Africa, and the natural beauty of the landscapes in the Country. I have to admit, the beauty is nothing less than magnificent. Only a true master, who has dedicated his life to art, will be capable of such accomplishments.

So, being the curious artist as I am, I emailed Gerard, requesting for an online Interview. He was so gracious that he accepted my invitation without hesitation. It was to be an online interview, conducted via chat. The contents of the chat interview has been archived, edited, and presented to you in (as much as possible) its original form.

There're many meaningful and subtle messages in the interview, which I'm sure will be useful to budding artists from all over the world. I leave you to draw meaning from the contents, and hereby present you with this short but meaningful interview.

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:20:06 PM): Ready

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:21:00 PM): Ok, here's my first question for you

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:21:07 PM): How long have you been doing art?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:21:29 PM): + 45 years

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:21:43 PM): So you're drawing since you were a small kid?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:22:56 PM): Yes, but its been my life - am now 69, i.e. 45 years profesional

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:23:11 PM): Your drawings reveal a lot of information about life in South Africa, is that where you grew up?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:23:31 PM): Yes

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:23:46 PM): Did anybody teach you drawing or painting?

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:23:54 PM): Or did you teach yourself to paint?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:25:32 PM): Did formal art studies at Wits Technicon, Johannesburg - post graduate studies. Also at the art college in Durban.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:25:58 PM): Well, I do art as a hobby, not as a professional like yourself

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:26:06 PM): It must be tough finding your way as a professional

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:26:30 PM): For the main part, all artists are self taught - practice, practice, practice

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:26:49 PM): Tell me, what kept you going when the going gets tough?

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:26:58 PM): Yes I agree about the self taught part

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:27:25 PM): I always tell the members on my site, nothing is more important than passion about art

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:27:44 PM): I think all artists know who they are deep down underneath, so there's no denying that passion

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:28:30 PM): Love of art, working with businesses in the alied field plus being able to assist others to develop - it is a passion.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:29:01 PM): So you teach others about art as well?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:30:30 PM): Yes, for both paying students and weekly class for less fortunate but talented

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:31:03 PM): Your country is very lucky to have you around...

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:31:20 PM): I can see you're really dedicated to art

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:31:44 PM): There're many members on the website who, deep down, knows that they're artists, but they don't know where to start.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:31:51 PM): Any advice for them?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:31:53 PM): Thanks, however teaching others improves your own work - it's a two way street

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:32:11 PM): Ahh, words of wisdom from a master

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:33:55 PM): There is so much material available for learners, e.g. you sell a teaching course and so do I and there is always the library. However, like everything else it takes a bit of effort - there's no overnight fame.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:35:22 PM): Great, I'm sure the members on my site will find your advice useful. Do you sell your art course online?

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:35:29 PM): Maybe you can share it with everyone?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:37:57 PM): It cannot be downloaded from the net but is available on DVD (2.5hrs teaching) and can be ordered direct from me at gerard.kortenbout.co.za - same for more info.

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:38:51 PM): The course has been approved by the South African Education Department for use in shcools, etc.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:39:09 PM): I'm trying to access the URL right now, it prompts me for a password?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:40:12 PM): Website is www.kortenbout.co.za

Darren Chow(4/13/2008 4:40:48 PM): I experienced the same thing, it prompts me for a password then kick me out

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:41:02 PM): Just making sure, as people will be visiting your website after this

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:41:49 PM): When you try to enter my website?

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:41:53 PM): Yes

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:42:00 PM): Anyway, I think that can be corrected later

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:42:06 PM): Let's continue with the interview

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:42:20 PM): I saw some of your really good looking paintings on the image gallery

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:42:33 PM): Right here http://www.myartsociety.com/gallery2/v/Gerard/

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:42:49 PM): Among all your paintings, one really stood out.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:42:56 PM): It's the piece called "Over Zululand"

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:43:11 PM): Where or how did you get the inspiration for that painting?

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:45:55 PM): A lot of my work is spiritually inspired. I wanted something that was uniquely my own and although a number of artists have used spirals or similar, I liked the idea of creating different images with different perspectives giving the feeling of looking at one landscape.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:47:10 PM): That's a really good answer

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:47:29 PM): Many art pieces are spiritually inspired

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:48:03 PM): And I think that's because many artists are soulful beings

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:48:31 PM): So it's really a great piece of art when it gives the opportunity for others to draw and derive meaning

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:48:39 PM): Yes, I have also found that quite a number of my paintings show images of people that were not intentionally placed there.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:48:46 PM): Which is why I say that piece of painting really stood out

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:49:08 PM): So they happened to be there as you did your painting?

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:50:45 PM): I personally like to draw when I feel inspired, and whenever I run out of ideas to draw or paint...

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:50:56 PM): I think so - other people usually point them out to me once the work is complete. I have a siimilar spiral painting "The African Saga", which is now owned by Nelson Mandela.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:51:32 PM): ...all I got to do is to reach "within", deep down, and draw out something from within me

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:51:33 PM): I too have my blank moments.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:51:53 PM): Sometimes, inspiration comes

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:52:01 PM): Sometimes I have to be patient and wait

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:52:20 PM): Haha, at least I know I'm not alone experiencing this

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:53:18 PM): Hey Gerard

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:53:23 PM): I've often found that to get the idea (inspired) is ten times more difficult than the painting.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:53:48 PM): Yes, my sentiments as well

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:54:17 PM): I think this has been a really short but nice interview

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:54:34 PM): And I'm sure many website members, current and future, will find your advice timeless and extremely useful

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:54:46 PM): I do have the advantage that my wife, Pam, has always been my greatest support and critic (constructive).

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:55:00 PM): For that, I'm really grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to have this chat with you

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:55:34 PM): I have to end this interview now, for I have another commitment to meet soon

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:55:40 PM): Thank you and I am always available on email to assist artists in general.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:55:58 PM): With that I'll have to round up this interview

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:56:17 PM): Cheers for now.

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:56:17 PM): I'll try to get this interview edited and organized, and send a copy to you as promised

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:56:30 PM): Thanks

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:56:46 PM): There're some little details that I need from you like your contact email should anyone wants to get in touch with you personally

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:56:54 PM): We'll iron that out via email

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:57:05 PM): kortenbout@saol.com

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:57:10 PM): Ok great

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:57:16 PM): So I'll talk to you soon

Darren Chow (4/13/2008 4:57:20 PM): Thanks for your time

Gerard Kortenbout (4/13/2008 4:57:27 PM): Bye for now

The whole interview lasted for about 40 minutes. I wished it could be longer. But as short as it is, it contains important messages nevertheless.

If you'd like to learn more about Gerard's life passion, please do not hesitate to contact him at kortenbout@saol.com.

To view some of this paintings: http://www.myartsociety.com/gallery2/v/Gerard/

Feel free to visit his website at: www.kortenbout.co.za