Zimbo Jam met one of the most talented artists in Zimbabwe, Gareth Hook. He exhibited his work last Friday at The Venue; by the time we arrived, most of the pieces were sold out.
His paintings, in terms of content, are truly Zimbabwean, and in regard to beauty, undeniably international. We asked Gareth to share details of his craft and this is what he had to say:
Who is Gareth Hook?
Gareth is born and bred Zimbabwean. Educated at St Georges College before moving onto Rhodes University to complete his Fine Arts degree. Since then I have been working as a full time artist.
I became interested in art at the age of about 12. I would watch Craig Bone paint in his studio and that’s how I fell into the art world.
What is your preferred medium and why?
My preferred medium is oils followed closely by pencil. I find oils have an aura to them, almost romantic in a way. Oils have been around for hundreds of years and I think will be around for hundreds more even with the advent of digital artwork.
ARTWORK: GARETH HOOK
PIC: T. PSWARAYI | ZIMBOJAM.COM | Is this the painting that launched nine thoudsand ships, in dollars… Simply sublime.
Where can one view your work?
One can view my work at The Picture Frame gallery in Newlands or online at www.garethhook.com or www.facebook.com/garethhookart or instagram/garethhookart
What is integral to the work of an artist?
For me, personally, it is discipline as well as always trying to get better. I am never really satisfied and am quite a big critic of my own work.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
It’s hard to say there are many artists that I admire from masters to modern day contemporary artists. Saying that, I love the work of Caravaggio—a brilliant master of light and emotion. Da Vinci is another one but I love his studies/sketches. I admire Craig Bone and his technical ability and I try strive for what he has done with his work.
Can you remember one of your first pieces? What makes it memorable?
I remember them because I look back now and think “what was I doing”.
Where do you derive inspiration for your pieces?
I get a lot of inspiration from the bush and watching certain wild life scenes play out as I think “how I can make that a memorable scene?”
ARTWORK: GARETH HOOK
PIC: T. PSWARAYI | ZIMBOJAM.COM | Curiosity.
Have your ever gone beyond your particular genre of art? If so what did you discover?
At university I was almost forced to practice contemporary ways of art. I never regret it, it opened my eyes to so much more of the art world that I never knew existed. I succeed in a few endeavors but once university was completed, I turned back towards realistic artworks.
Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?
When I was 17 I remember vividly getting charged by a bull elephant in Mana whilst walking with Andrew Bone (brother of Craig). I have a very healthy respect for elephants.
What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?
For me, the easiest part is the idea the hardest part is the execution.
What is your scariest experience?
When it comes to things that involve my art the elephant charge is one of them.
What do you dislike about the art world?
It’s hard to say. The art world can be a very fickle place. It is very up and down.
Name something you do not like and why?
Cancer. It sucks!
Should art be funded?
Yes. I think up and coming artists need help. It is far too easy to tell someone to become an artist, follow their passion and expect them to sell all their work and live comfortably. It takes years to establish a name and build up your clientele. There is one thing I regret about my university degree and that is they never had a compulsory marketing/ business course linked to becoming and surviving as an artist. It is tough out there.
What is an artistic outlook on life?
Not sure, everyone sees things differently. It is not a breeze like everyone thinks it is. You are your own boss though which is great.
ARTWORK: GARETH HOOK
PIC: T. PSWARAYI | ZIMBOJAM.COM | This is the only acceplable fowl play.
Have you done any other jobs other than being an artist?
I love plants. I grow a few of my own for sale.
Could you share three to five images with us and tell us a little about each?
Curiosity – this was a cool idea I got when driving along the road and spotting this tortoise shell.
Boy of Banyini – This was a hit. It was a commission but once the image was circulated via social media I could have sold it 20 times.
Tusker Drinking – This was the first biggish drawing I did. It was a great success. I love the concept of negative space.
For arts aficionados, do not miss Gareth’s next exhibit. We certainly will not!
