Ex-Toti artist, Stefan Hofmeyr (42) impressed Toti audiences with his spectacular portraits and landmarks at an art exhibition at 22 On Rockview on Friday evening, 11 April.
Stefan was born in Durban, but grew up in Toti, before moving to Sabi at age 10. “Toti was my playground,” he said. “I’ve always come back to visit.”
Stefan studied fine art at Durban University of Technology (DUT). He went into theatre crafts, designing and painting props and decor for the theatre and ended up lecturing theatre crafts at DUT.
He was the art director responsible for painting the effects and paintings on show at Caesar’s Palace and Montecasino in Johannesburg and Ushaka Marine World in Durban.
“I moved back to Durban about two years ago and I now paint full-time,” said Stefan. “I don’t work on conventional materials, but upcycle and paint on pallets, doors or satellite dishes.
My portraits are based on people who have made an impression on me and people I know.”
Stefan can take up to four days to complete a painting. His bread and butter is commissioned portraits, which sell well in Johannesburg and Pretoria. “I love doing character portraits, although my landmarks sell better.”
