nanette ranger
Mediums Used
Nanette Ranger is a well-established South African sculptor who has actively exhibited since 1987. Although she originally specialised in printmaking, she was increasingly drawn to sculpture as her medium of expression. Her work is primarily figurative, drawing on the connection and disconnection between people, as well the dichotomous relationship between humanity and the natural world. Her work is known for its technically adept, textured and beautiful execution. Nanette’s approach is both whimsical and deeply philosophical. Themes of human connection and disconnection are expressed through quick and satirical whit. Conceptual exploration is an essential part of her journey as an artist. Her work explores and challenges while constantly embracing and transforming new materials.
I am particularly interested in the connection and disconnection between people and all things. My work is an attempt to seek re-integration and connection for myself and others and to reflect on the metaphysical power that close communion with the natural world offers humanity. I do not seek to deify nature, but rather to investigate the possibility of a new paradigm of re-integration and connection at both a physical and psychological level”
Sculptures by nanette ranger
Credentials
Qualifications
BA (Honours) Fine Arts, University of the Free State, South Africa.,BA (Honours) Fine Arts, University of the Free State, South Africa.
Exhibitions
yes
Publications
Nanette has been featured regularly in the local media both in the written media and on radio. The most recent being a feature article,Nanette has been featured regularly in the local media both in the written media and on radio. The most recent being a feature article
Nanette (Wessels) Ranger studied Fine Art at the University of the Free State. There she completed a four year Art degree in 1993 under the tutorage of Ben Bothma, Jan Schutte, Frik Potgieter, Zelia Horne and Marnus Havenga. In 1993, while at university, her work was chosen for the Rolfes Impressions Travelling Exhibition. After marrying environmentalist Sean Ranger she moved to Warmbaths in the Northern Province of South Africa where she honed her mould-making and metal - casting skills under the guidance of mentor and friend, Connie van Wyk. Towards the end of 1997 the family relocated to Paarl in the Western Cape, where they currently reside. In 2000, she opened the Nanette Ranger Art Studio, a private Art School that offers drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery and printing to adults and children. In 2006-2007 she began her experimentation with various materials and techniques, undertaking courses in ceramics with Paarl ceramicist Debbie de Beer and sandstone and marble sculpting with the Italian master carver, Severino Bracchialarghe. In early 2008 she expanded her understanding of materials completing a course in Glass slumping with locally based Christa Goosen. In 2014 Nanette completed a cement casting workshop with locally based Marieke Prinsloo Rowe.
She has been exhibiting consistently since 1987 and has participated in and curated many exhibitions throughout South Africa. Her work has been sold both nationally and abroad.
Under the influence of sculptors such as Rodin, Henry Moore, Dylan Lewis, Angus Taylor, Jacques Fuller, Jacques Dhont, Severino Bracchialarghe, Anton Smit and Marieke Prinsloo Rowe etc., Nanette became increasingly drawn to sculpture as her medium of expression.
Her sculptures have evolved over the last 10 years incorporating many materials including woven black wattle bark, wood, glass and metal. She feels a strong bond with clay as a sculpting medium and this material has been an integral part of her growth as a sculptor. Recently her repertoire has expanded through the acquisition of mould making skills. This has allowed her to transform original ceramic sculptures into alternative materials such as M1, Cold Bronze and Cold Marble casting. The skills developed provide her with the opportunity to work in bronze and at much larger scales.
I am primarily inspired visually and conceptually by the world around me. I often use textured objects that I find in the natural world which I then imprint on clay. This becomes the interface and connection between the natural world and the concept of the piece I am creating. I enjoy reading about the concepts that intrigue me and will often research the elements I wish to include in my work. I am very inspired by the though of art igniting life. The natural world and our relationship with it is a continual source of inspiration. I create art because I believe and experience that art ignites the world for both the artist and the viewer. I am particularly inspired when a work finds personal connection and resonance with a viewer.
2016
Public Work for the Breytenback Centre Poerty Garden.