DRAWINGS & SCULPTURES

The line drawing begins as an infantile depiction of idea to paper. Developed as a continuous line these invocations use comic style foreshortening and distortion to give a heightened sense of perspective. The human distortion is central to the experience of the living and the dead. The body is a symmetrically perceived entity with a mental capacity of ancient memory and natural instinct but when pictorially separated into pieces, this capsule looses its definition of distinctly manipulative and powerful authoritarian above nature and tends towards a subjective, fragile, adaptable popular virus inhabiting the crust of a planet.

The conversion from drawing to sculpture takes place in two principal mediums; one is using steel to create 3-dimensional forms with a transparence eluding to the inner fabric of the epidemic vessel, the second is related to a tradition in bas-relief with the ability to sculpt by addition rather than reduction.

Both formats have their origin in the line drawing manipulated to depict the emotional gesture and poise of a dexterous yet sinistered species.

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COMMISSIONS ET CONTRACTUALS PROJECTS

These by nature of the title are constructions ordered to satisfy a specific function in the space they are to inhabit. Form-work of this kind dwells in the realm of architecture with formal restrictions in size, materials and safety. Co-ordinating with engineers, interior designers, architects and clients, collaboration raises concepts into reality.

Steel is the foundation of all these commissions with other materials as the site-specific task might require. The knowledge of forging steel liberates the possibilities in design. 

Projects include public screens and seating, entrance gates and chandeliers, fireplaces and furniture.

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MOSAICS

Since 1999, Sylvie Groschatau offers art therapy sessions to the clients of the Valkenberg Mental Hospital of Cape Town, South Africa, in partnership with the hospital’s Ergotherapy Department and the Friends of Valkenberg Trust. Patients produce clay tiles – a natural element that is both soothing and easy to handle. This basic material goes through transformations, much like the healing process itself.

Thus, the patients decorate their tiles with glass. Once fired, the glass forms a glaze. The patients take some of the tiles home with them; others are used in mosaic murals in the hospital’s various services.

This therapeutic activity channels individual creativity, alleviates anxiety and builds up a sense of personal dignity in a non-competitive setting.

The mosaics are part and parcel of the therapeutic process. They are valued by the patients, as they leave traces of beauty in remembrance of their stay. The Wall of Hands is the Wall of Fame! The trees grow and produce fruit.

Authorization to install the mosaics was given in 2004 by Dr Eick, the hospital’s Senior Medical Superintendant with the following written comment : “Wonderful work! Please go ahead!”

 Art therapy helps in making the hospital stay a valuable experience, one that allows for clearer thinking, a refining and redirecting of emotions, a path to a new level of personal dignity, and a way to envision new openings for the future.

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"Dessine moi un oiseau" (Draw me a bird) - Mosaic workshops facilitated by Sylvie Groschateau in 2005 with the children from the French School François le Vaillant in Cape Town, South Africa. 

École française du Cap ▴

The sixteen five-year olds of the kindergarten class made the mosaic tiles and created a bird, inspired by the work of François le Vaillant, French explorer and ornithologist who came to South Africa in the eighteenth century and after whom the school is named. The mosaic has now become the school’s symbol.

www.ecolefrancaiseducap.co.za/fr