In The Press - HeraldLive
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Passion for cars lands Bay artist a spot in exclusive UK guild
by Riaan Marais, Journalist - Published 6 November 2016
A Port Elizabeth graphic designer’s love of cars and passion for art has landed him a spot in one of the most exclusive motoring art clubs in the world.
Following an intensive application and judging process Clive Botha, 39, of South End, has been granted full membership to the British Guild of Motoring Artists.
This organisation has brought motoring artists, designers and engineers from all over the world together to showcase their work and commitment to motoring subjects since 1986.
“I did a lot of research to find out if there was a similar organisation in South Africa, but the guild is the only one of its kind in the world,” Botha said.
“Becoming a member is a massive honour. I am one of only two people in Africa that form part of the guild.
Drawing as a young Port Elizabeth boy, Botha drew a lot of inspiration from cars as he grew up in the “motor city of South Africa”.
His passion for art led him to study graphic design at the Port Elizabeth Technikon, now part of NMMU.
He sidelined his love for art and dedicated the past decade to building his digital marketing agency, MotorMedia Communications, which focuses on automotive-related industries.
However, over the past year he has rediscovered his passion for motoring art, dusted off his sketch pad and pencils and reimmersed himself in his passion creating original custom commissions and car drawings for clients worldwide.
“I love exotic high-performance cars like Lamborghinis and Ferraris, but I also have a soft spot for domestically manufactured Chevrolets, Volkswagens and Audis. After all, I own a Chevy Spark myself,” he said, laughing.
If he had not have such a passion for motoring art, Botha said, he would likely have focused his art on architecture or portraits.
“I enjoy doing pencil portraits of people. I have done quite a few,” he said. “But I really like beautiful designs, like cars and buildings.
“I think it would be very exciting if a car manufacturer ever approached me to help them with the design of a brand new model.”
To see more of Botha's work, visit his website at www.thecartist.com
