'FREEDOM SMILE – NELSON MANDELA' - Acrylics & Oil on canvas
Dimension: Painting Size 59.06'' x 35.43'' & Frame Size 74.80'' x 51.18''
Certification of Authenticity: Apricus Art Collection
Signature: Signed by Artist
This is a collector’s item which was commemorates Madiba’s legacy in bringing South Africa to a peaceful democracy.
The painting depicts background elements which depict the early Khoi San & Xhosa heritages of the indigenous people of the Eastern Cape Province prior to colonialism.
The mountain ranges, indigenous Aloe plant, rock paintings, young warrior initiation and the cultural rural villages near Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, Qunu are depicted together with traditional elders.
The East Cape ghosted coastline and the mud plaster technique of the background remind us of Mandela’s origins.
The Purpose designed& manufactured frame is made of local Indigenous hardwood with metal and copper work.
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BIOGRAPHY
Born Donald David Bell in 1948, Don is a multi-genre artist, illustrator, Senior Professional Architectural Technologist, former advertising exec and photographer.
His creative works include oils, acrylics, watercolours, charcoal, pencil, pen and mixed-media including digital art. Genres include aviation, wildlife, landscapes, seascapes, portraits, architecture and contemporary art.
As a teenager he was privately tutored in fine art by well-known South African artists & art lecturers Andre’ Vancoillie and Paul Lavender.
He matriculated in art at the Port Elizabeth Technical College in 1968 and joined an architectural firm as in-house illustrator. He was then trained in architectural design & technical drawing and eventually opened his own architectural, commercial art & graphic design studio in 1978.
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As his business grew in Port Elizabeth, he expanded to include marketing and advertising, which serviced local, national and international clients. He has done countless illustrations and architectural perspective paintings for construction projects.
Don has travelled both internationally and northwards into Southern Africa where he and his family have enjoyed off-the-beaten-track experiences & wildlife close encounters. He has exhibited his wildlife works in game reserves and high-end tourism establishments.
His heart also lies in philanthropy enabling him to donate works to worthy fund raising organizations and programs.
Don is a registered Senior Professional Architectural Technologist now based in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa and still runs an architectural practice, Gate 7 Architectural Services with a partner based in the Port Elizabeth office.
The style, medium and subject of his works can change at a moment’s notice, because his insatiable inner need to produce something which resonates with his soul on the particular day is uncontrollable