Writer: Nozuko Poni

Intro: In the world we live in and with the types of social ills we are confronted with, art can sometimes be the only meaningful way to make sense of what’s happening around us. So we decided to add an arts page that will cover arts events, profile new artists and different art forms, hopefully inspiring you to explore your own talents.

Profile: Winslow Schalkwyk, poet

Q: Tell us a little about yourself

A: I’m Winslow, a descendant of a strong line of healers, dreamers, slaves, travellers and artists. A recovering perfectionist. I love music, art, good food, reading, performing, learning, teaching and being me. A multi-media junkie and a stage-addict: I love having various mediums through which, on which, to express my personal truth. My personal truth is poetry.

Q: What’s your definition of poetry?

A: Poetry is pure expression wrapped in an honest interpretation. It can be expressed through words on paper or on stages or through movement. Life is poetry. It doesn’t have to be a rhyme or be an extended metaphor. It can be like a simile. Simple. Direct. Poetry.

Q: What is your writing process like?

A: I open myself to life and honestly experience the lessons life is teaching me. I listen to the rhythms around me, inside me and allow these rhythms to just be. I spend time with my granny and listen to her stories. I listen to music, I find a dance floor, go for a walk or I spend time in nature. I get angry, I fall in love, I cry, I feel love AND then I write.

Twitter: @win_s_low

http://www.facebook.com/WarriorWinslow

VuC is a promising 25 year old graffiti artist from Newtown, Joburg. He started tagging (a personalised signature in graffiti art) in his teens on trains, bridges and walls around his neighbourhood. He now does his graffiti on designated graffiti sites or on T-shirts (which he sells to buy spray cans) and occasionally he gets commissioned to do adverts for small brands. His work can be seen at the Newtown bridge, an iconic spot for graffiti art.

EVENTS

Encounters is the annual South African International Documentary Film Festival, featuring screenings, panel discussions and workshops for aspiring filmmakers. The event is held at various locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It also features local and international documentary work. See the website for more details:www.encounters.co.za/

National Arts Festival

When: 28 June  to 8 July

Where: Grahamstown

One of Africa’s most important cultural happenings, the National Arts Festival includes drama, dance, comedy, music, art exhibitions, films, lectures, craft fairs and a children’s arts festival. A highlight of the yearly art’s calendar!  www.nafest.co.