On his Facebook page, Boeta Phyf’s bio reads something like this: “I’m a Cape Town artist and I make wood cuts that people like to call 3D graffiti. Sometimes I illustrate on a computer and make letters on walls.” Represent chatted to him about everything art and creativity. Here’s how it went down.
Tell us a bit about yourself, your art and how you got into your current genre.
Once upon a time I was a graffiti artist, but at the moment I’m making wooden sculptures for galleries, which people have labelled 3D graffiti. I’ve been drawing Ninja Turtles since I was five, and cartoons got me into art. I’ve always drawn characters, monsters and stiffness. The wood is just a new way of showing that.
How would you say your style has changed over the years as you have grown into your creativity?
My style has become funnier over time. I try take the piss as much as possible. It’s like stand up comedy to me. Life experience, fatherhood and being a husband all affect my work. I’m creative in between managing all those things.
How important are your surroundings for creativity and inspiration?
If you’re not constantly in a think tank, hot box and awesome sh*t, what’s the point?
You could call me an extreme collector, so when I sit down to work in the digital studio, I surround myself with all my action figures, vinyl toys, posters, fan art, stickers, artworks by artists I love and loads of “making of” style books.
In the workshop or analogue studio where I make the wooden artworks, it’s just tools, my dad and local music.
Who are some of the current artists in SA and abroad that influence your work?
It’s funny how, if you say whose work you like or which artist you look up to, people assume you’re biting their style or stealing ideas. It’s like we can’t have any heroes anymore. Locally I love work by Falko, Ginger Bread Boy, Lady Skollie, Montle, Rekso and Kevin Love. Honestly though, there aren’t too many young SA dudes making sculpture work.
Internationally, my biggest daily inspiration is Alex Yanes. And I am also a huge fan of AJ Fosik. Google both of them so your eyes can bleed!
What makes your style different to anyone else’s?
I think nowadays, with the world being so small because of social media, you quickly learn that every style has already been done. And better than you can do it. Mine is influenced by loads of different styles. But the main thing that separates me? I put my personality, nostalgia and gat maak into everything I do.
What are some of your tips for when you have a creative block – what do you do to get inspired?
I put on some Back Street Boys or NKTOB and have a warm bath, or I watch bucket loads of stand-up comedy with my wife. Local hip hop also really gets my creativity moering. My five-year-old son makes his own outfits, Batman, Ninja Turtles, etc… I look at how productive he is. He doesn’t care about the world when he’s making something. He does it to amuse himself. And then, after I see that, I man the f*** up.
Take us through your average night after the creative day is over.
We bath both kids and put them to bed. My wife and I drink Rooibos tea and watch whatever series we’re addicted to at the time. This week it’s a show called Humans. I usually doodle a bit on my phone.
Where do you see creativity and art going in SA?
I’m not really sure Jim, I’m a pool man not a scientist! I think South Africans finally feel like we are embracing our own style, cultures and memories with our creative work, instead of seeing what’s trending overseas and doing a watered-down version of that. I hope one day people will say things like, “That’s a very Cape Town style!” the way we do about other cities and countries.
What is your favourite platform to show your work on and why?
I really enjoy people walking into a gallery and seeing the work. But, honestly? The feeling of a piece painted out in public. Where civilians can walk past or see it on the train on the way to work. It’s still the best feeling.
Write your artist’s bio in 10 words or less…
Confused whitey.
If you could change one thing…
I wouldn’t change anything. Anybody that has chosen creating something as a way to earn money – whether they work for a boss or freelance – will tell you it’s a daily battle and a huge hustle. At least once a day you question your path and your work. Hate your work even. But that’s part of its progression. So are bad clients and potential buyers, investors and brands. Trying to change the platform, people’s opinions, events, or materials doesn’t mean much if you are not producing the best work you possibly can.
What project are you currently working on?
I finished up with That Art Fair. I am having a show on the 8th of September called “FIGHTING WORDS” at The Crows Nest in Joburg. After that maybe a Durban show. I’m also working with some brands to do some in store and window display sculptures.
Please include links to your work and any websites
@boetaphyf (instagram)
https://m.facebook.com/boetaphyf
