Page 36 - Intra Muros February 2024

CREATIVE ART

y name is Estian Gericke, I am 29 years old, and I am a sculptor.
I am the youngest of four siblings, and I have always been the
Martistic one in my family. While my siblings chose careers in the
corporate world and architecture, I pursued my passion for art. My other
hobbies are tennis, dancing and reading. My business name is Steel Spark
and Craft and it encompasses various creative aspects such as welding and
metal casting. The primary focus of my business is to create sculptures that
capture elements of life and embody both masculine and feminine beauty.

My artistic journey began at a young age when I visited scrap yards to collect
metal pieces which I then welded together to fashion objects like soldiers
and animals. After completing my diploma at TUT in 2016, I secured an
internship at Angus Taylor’s foundry in Silverton. There I gained invaluable
experience in the art of transforming clay sculptures into bronze artworks.
After four years with Angus, I decided to embark on my own sculpting
journey. Since 2021, I have been whole-heartedly crafting sculptures using
recycled steel and aluminium. The process involves shaping clay into specific
artworks and then moulding it in order for it to be cast in aluminium and
steel.

My business venture began with exhibitions at art galleries, and from
there, word of mouth led to commissions. What sets my work apart is
the combination of recycled aluminium, steel and sometimes bronze. The
unique characteristics that emerge in the metal during the casting process,
along with its natural patterns, make my artworks stand out. I find great joy
in turning my imaginative ideas into artworks which have a deeper meaning
that people can relate to. Another aspect I cherish is the ability to take
materials often deemed as waste and unlock their potential as works of art.
My business model involves online advertising on platforms like Facebook
and Instagram, as well as reaching out to friends and relatives to explore
potential commissions. While I primarily create my own works, I am open
to fulfilling clients’ specific requests. I also exhibit my art in galleries to gain
exposure; sometimes they are auctioned, and some works can be found in
public places, such as the large scissor at the Jawy hairdresser in Pierre van
Ryneveld and the mermaid at King Price Menlyn.

I have encountered challenges in the past and occasionally, I still face tight
deadlines and unforeseen problems in the artistic process. For example, the
casting of hot metal into a mould can cause the mould to crack under the
heat, necessitating the re-casting of the mould.

My future goals include establishing myself as a renowned artist in South
Africa, with my works prominently displayed in galleries and public spaces.
Pursuing a career in the world of art is no easy feat, especially in South
Africa where it’s often viewed as a luxury, and not everyone can afford
artwork. The art industry is highly competitive, and occasionally slow sales
can be disheartening. However, its vital to persist with your passion and
ambition, as these are the traits that will keep you motivated. The future of
the art industry appears promising, with numerous corporate businesses
and clients investing in art. People are becoming more conscious of the
environmental impact of the art market and are open to innovative methods
of art creation.

As Albert Einstein once said: “Imagination is more important than
knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

34 | INTRAMUROS FEBRUARY 2024