So here are some ‘behind the scenes’ look at my Woordfees experience!
I am also very lucky to have a handy husband to help me hang my work…here he is busy doing his thing.
The day after we installed my show at the Hofmeyer-hall in Stellenbosch, we went for a picnic with friends…I have known this friend since High School, so it was lovely catching up and reminiscing about the school-days and what happened in-between. Looking up at the trees and dreaming out loud.
Opening night!
I love dressing up- since childhood! – still do, so love that I had the opportunity at the festival to do just that! Most of the rubber props which I wore I made myself, except for the rubber skirt!
Standing next to the Visual Art Co-ordinator aka Curator for the Woordfees 2016: Alex Hamilton. For the opening event I wore a rubber skirt, which a dear friend from Stilbaai made for me.

With fellow artists and friends Corlie de Kock and Theo Kleynhans with part of the sculpture by Mary Sibande
Here is the full view of Mary’s work. She was what they call the Festival Artist. I absolutely love her work!
I am so very pleased that Mayford sponsored some “Marygold/Afrikaner’ seed, which I handed out each day of the Festival, hoping that visitors will plant it and think about the Festival long after…(A company called Pakketmoles in Stilbaai helped me to laser-cut the rubber pieces that I attached to the seed packets- since sometimes people like to feel the rubber and it’s thickness.)
Day one! The Woordfees are officially open to the public!
The green shoes in this photo were killing my feet at the end of the day, but a nice exersize to try and walk with them!
Day 2:
I wore a rubber bonnet. Inspired by the one I saw at the Museum in Stilbaai. It’s not perfect, but I made it myself and was fun wearing it! On this day it was sunny and suddenly a few drops of rain appeared early morning. This bonnet has a multi purpose- helped protect me against the sun and is water-proof!
It was great meeting up with friends that I haven’t seen for a while!
Day 3:
Wearing a pollen- inspired headpiece which a dear lady from Stilbaai crochet for me! I almost felt like Maya the bee with the rubber/tea-sieve goggles! With me in this picture is Linda Coetsee from the guest house called Coronata20 in Stellenbosch! She was so kind as to help me attach my fake eyelashes the one day.
Day 4:
With not a lot of sleep, I felt a bit ‘deur die blare’ So I wore a leaf inspired outfit with green camouflage stripes on face and tiara 😉
What a surprize when a dear friend came to my show all the way from Fishhoek on her bike!
That same day me and fellow artist Joshua Miles had to talk to an audience about our different approach regarding medium and theme. Here we are – photo taken a few days before:
Day 5:
Still feeling like a ‘wilted flower’ I called this look: Verlepte Angelier! I am standing with Farley Samuels. He was working for the Woordfees, and came to the exhibition space everyday, and took some photos. It was lovely meeting the people that made the Woordfees memorable!
I also made new friends, in this photo is Hugo van Schalkwyk.
Check out his blog here! and he made this awesome video about his experience of the Woordfees:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPkmCxDRdqQ
This was also the day I heard about the Astroid 2013 TX68 that almost hit Earth!
Day 6:
I made myself a mask from rubber…since my show is called STINK Afrikaners!
So obviously my favourite word of the day would be:
Day 7:
I was so happy to find the Green Sleeves Vintage Clothing pop-up shop! Bought some wigs, like this purple one, and made a new friend…I really like the dress he is wearing, and wanted to buy it, but he looks much better in it!
I’m not so sure if purple was the ‘right’ colour to wear in Stellenbosch because of this incident: see here
but that’s why my favourite word of the day was: “PERS-epsie” a wordplay on “perception and the colour pers/purple)
Day 8:
feeling like a ‘kwaadsaaier”:
taking a break with fellow artist and friend Henk Serfontein.
I was also lucky to see Karen Zoid in action on the stage that evening. Unfortunately all my photos were a blur! but on
Day 9:
Karen Zoid came to see the exhibitions, and had a chance for a quick photo:
This was also the day that my Husband arrived back in Stellenbosch. Almost time for packing up. I wore this hand stitched rubber apron especially for him!
Last day:
decided to call this look: Sondebok (Scapegoat)
A big thank you to my mother in law for looking after my kids, while I spend time in Stellenbosch. I had a great time catching up on all things cultural, and seeing some wonderful theatre productions- meeting great people and creating memorable moments!
Love the costume changes. Some great masks here! Looks like a great time was had by all. (K)
Thank you Kerfe! Indeed a great time. There is a saying: “All work and no play…”
(cannot remember the rest), but I try to keep a balance 😉
…makes Jack (or Hannalie) a dull boy (or girl)”. Very true!