Stanford.ETHOS

11/12/2023

Two week's to the Gugulethu Tenors: Christmas Special 2023 and we are thrilled to announce that we will be teaming up with the Stanford Festival to provide the opening talent for the concert.

During their recent "Overberg Star Search" they have discovered some amazing young performers in the area, and nd just like the Gugulethu Tenors when they started performing, these young people need opportunities for their light to shine.

The organizers of the Stanford Festival Overberg Star Search will be sending three acts to open for the Gugulethu Tenors.

More detail on the three acts will follow during the week, make sure you like and follow our us to see who they are!

In the meantime you can still buy tickets for the show from Stanford Tourism, and from tomorrow tickets will also be available at Hermanus Tourism.

Or book online at: https://www.howler.co.za/GugulethuTenorsStanford2023

30/11/2023

Only a few weeks left before the Gugulethu Tenors: Christmas Special 2023

This family concert is the perfect event to kick off your celebrations.

The concert will benefit from the great acoustics of the NG Church that will help lift the voices of the four to new heights.

has all the Christmas spirit with it's amazing sponsored by

The Calories Food Truck will also be open late for food and drinks on the night.

Tickets are available at or on line. Follow the link in the event to book yours now.

The Tenors return to Stanford with a special Christmas show, featuring a selection of Christmas carols, opera classics, and some of their own compositions.Other performance highlights include their representation of South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They also performed for politicians, di...

30/11/2023

22/11/2023

Don’t miss out on the Stanford Sunset Market this Friday coming. It will be a special street market and we will be there for you to buy tickets for the Gugulethu Tenors: Christmas Special 2023

14/11/2023

Cash sale tickets for the Gugulethu Tenors: Christmas Special 2023 will go on sale at the Stanford Tourism office, and both the Stanford Sunset Markets and the River Gate Market from Friday the 17th. These cash sale tickets have a discounted rate on them.

The Online tickets are priced at R150 pp.

https://www.howler.co.za/GugulethuTenorsStanford2023

12/11/2023

Stanford is ready to welcome you this xmas. Don’t miss our Christmas Special show with the Gugulethu Tenors 22nd of December!

01/11/2023

https://youtu.be/pnQYVkavm6g?si=ZSJogBU63-ncv65M

Our visit to Stanford was nothing short of breathtaking. The journey itself was a feast for the eyes, as we marvelled at the natural beauty and majestic moun...

02/08/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition, but Yoko can be contacted directly for enquiries about her art.

YOKO REIJN

Liz Clarke
“I believe it is the uniqueness of creativity that defines the embroidery of who we are and how we interpret what we see, hear and feel.”
I’m in conversation with Dutch artist Yoko Reijn in the Netherlands. We are discussing the upcoming Stanford Winter ETHOS at Stanford Valley Lodge on August 9 – Women’s Day.
The unique qualities we are talking about are those creative spaces that she believes, lie “deep within” all of us.
Sometimes we need take time to examine those spaces, she says, in order to discover who we really are and what drives us to think the way we do – in a way unlocking the inner truths that so often get ignored in the generally noisiness of life.
“For me it’s about stillness and meditation, the quiet places where once we dare to look, richness and diversity abound.
But then let’s fast forward to Yoko’s paintings that pulsate with life and colour, abstract in form, dynamic, disruptive, insistent. Her work seems to invite the viewer to look a little deeper and discover those inner elements and observe how they burst on to the canvas.
“People will see different things in my work, have different interpretation, maybe that go beyond reality into the realm of metaphysics. That’s what I love. The more discussion, the better.”
At the Winter ETHOS you will be able to discover Yoko’s multi-faceted journey and the creativity wrought through a state of stillness and meditation.
Yoko lives in the country hamlet of Porterville in the Western Cape and has won awards and exhibited at a number of galleries.

Several of Yoko’s latest works will be on show at ETHOS.

www.instagram.com/yokoreijn.art
Yoko Reijn artist page
www.linkedin.com/in/yokoreijn

01/08/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition, but Sara can be contacted directly for enquiries about her art.

SARA ABBOTT

Liz Clarke
Sara Abbott is an artist, sought after for her pastels, oil, water colour, charcoal – or a mixture of everything.
When you look at her work you don’t automatically think flower, dog, cat etc. They may well be there, but configured in a way that the onlooker is asked to think – and think again.
Visiting her in her heritage Stanford home is like tiptoeing through layers of well-burnished history, not only hers, but those who dared to dream before her, from farmers to moonshine whisky makers.
It’s a great setting for her. Whereas the fragile ghosts of history may have gone (although she says they haven’t), the fragility and fleeting nature of inspiration lives on with ethereal images of horses, wild, gargoyles, mystical characters, and animals of all shapes and sizes floating, or just dashing heaven-wise.
We are looking at a working sketch of a horse standing in a suitcase. It's different “You see I look for stories behind what is obvious. It’s that searching that dictates the way I do things. It’s almost as though there is an alternative energy at play. When that side of me is free, I’m never quite sure what is going to happen next. It’s not like clockwork. It either happens or it doesn’t.”
There’s a quintessential edginess that tells you that trying to understand all of that is not the point. It just is.
However, when Sara touches on the commercial side of art, there’s a touch of unexpected practicality.
“There’s a limited market for the big works that take an age – people just don’t have the money anymore – so going for smaller work that’s affordable is a better idea.
Is there anything she would like to paint and hasn’t so far?
“When there is, something inside me switches on a button!” Well that's what I hope
Several of Sara’s latest works will be on show at ETHOS

01/08/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition and opening lunch, but Candice can be seen live each weekend at Pigalle in Green Point Cape Town.

See Candice perform:
https://youtu.be/dzr6A71HXh4

Visit us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stanford.ethos/

31/07/2023

MARIAN BINDER
Will Exbibit at "The nature of beauty."

Liz Clarke
There is something about the life forces of nature that Marian Binder gets so right. You look at her take on a giant kingfisher, an ostrich, a giraffe even a wild flower and it's almost as though this artist has been able to convey to the viewer the multi-layered energy of her subject at that moment in time - in the eyes, the stature, the bend of a petal.
A busy working artist, Marian was recently chosen as one of the top floral and wildlife artists to exhibit at the celebrated Florilegium gallery at Grootbos.
"It was a daunting experience" she says "to be put in the same category as some of the world's best botanical artists, but I loved it."
Visiting in her airy studio in Stanford, it's easy to see that the delicacy and precision of her paintwork is what sets her apart.
"For me every subject I choose has its own soul, that unique feature that makes it different. My fynbos painting, for example came to life with the addition of the pollinator - featured in all the paintings in the Floraligeum - including my favourite honey bee (Apis capensis).
Marian says that while she seeks inspiration for her paintings all over South Africa, she is at her happiest when she is on home ground.
"In Stanford you can't help but be touched by the natural unspoilt beauty of the area and let’s not forget the passion of those who do so much to keep it that way.

Several of Marian’s latest works will be on show at ETHOS

https://www.mademarian.co.za
https://www.instagram.com/made_marian/

30/07/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition, but Kali can be contacted directly for enquiries about her art.

KALI VAN DER MERWE
Liz Clarke
Where art, mind and soul mix and reality and inspiration intervene Kali van der Merwe is right there peeling back layers of emotional empathy in search of creative meaning. A loner, a quiet investigator of who and what we are, her paintings and photography are not the sort that immediately identify themselves but ask the viewer to interpret them in their own way.
A recurring theme in many of her current works is the symbiotic connection between the environment and life in all its dimensions, often bringing in a mingling of reality and mindscapes.
"I love that idea of ownership, of being able to suggest something through art, which in turn allows for further thought, even a uniqueness, which might not have occurred to me at the time."
Kali left city-center Cape Town 13 years ago as a fully-fledged artist, and photographer to find creative refuge in the remote and rugged geography of Baskeerdersbos, a dot on the Overstrand map. It was here that she set up her studio and it is here, she says that the meaning of life is expressed in so many different ways.
“What I hope to do is to inspire a sense of curiosity, connection and wonder through my creativity.”
KALI TALKS MORE ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON EXHIBIT AT ETHOS
This series of images are all created in situ. I am actually physically relating to the elements within the environment. Each image is a single photographic exposure. The image is created over a period of time while the camera shutter remains open. I play with varying times of exposure of myself, revealing and allowing my presence to be erased.
The series is a kind of anti-portrait – in that I am not differentiated from the background. In osmosis with my surroundings, as a human form I become permeable - porous – penetrable – insubstantial – ghostly - lost.

Photography: Claire Gunn
https://www.kali.co.za
https://www.instagram.com/kali_van_der_merwe/

28/07/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition, but Sanette can be contacted directly for enquiries about her art.

SANETTE UPTON

Liz Clarke
It doesn't matter where you look in Sanette Upton's sitting room, there are signs of creative energy, whether it be drawings or art works, scraps of material, even scrunched up pieces of paper painted different colours.
This busy, busy scene tells you that there is an evolving process going on here.
"So right" says Sanette who is, or should we say was, well known for her imaginative and colourful free-flowing flower paintings in Stanford.
But all that changed quite dramatically after "meeting up" with a set of graphite pencils while on a long stay in Cape Town - sans canvas and paints.
"Without my usual art equipment, I began to draw and experiment with new ideas, new shapes, new everything."
The upshot of that was a complete change from "thinking only about paint, brushes and canvases" to experimenting with finger painting, collages, making marks and opening her mind to random inspirational forces.
"I love the organic feel of using your fingers to express thoughts and ideas. It's about spontaneity and letting yourself go. You don't need to restrict yourself. Imagination is the great adventure!"
At Stanford ETHOS you'll be able to see her vibrant “tondo” canvas which twists and turns with colourful abandon and invites the viewer to look closer at some curious dashes of relief work.
For those interested to know more “tondo” is a Renaissance term for a circular work of art either a painting or a sculpture

https://www.instagram.com/sanettedutoitart/

27/07/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition, but Lily can be contacted directly for enquiries about her art.

LILY UPTON

Liz Clarke
The artistry of nature is something that intrigues Lily Upton. Trained in the field of environmental management she is a member of the Grootbos Foundation team working on conservation and community related projects.
Lily will tell you that intricacies of fynbos, the infinite computation of design and shape, is something that never fails to fascinate an to fascinate - and surprise
She will also tell you that extending her love of the outdoors into the realm of the creative arts, was what she believes was a "natural progression."
Her preferred genre is mono printing using gel plates as the foundational surface and then foraging for plant material.
"It is the unexpected results that I love. When you place leaves twigs berries and flowers onto the plate and press down with your paper you never know quite what will emerge.
It's almost as though nature is allowing you to explore its world in the finest most precise detail."
Several of Lily's Botanical Mono prints will be on show at ETHOS. Her next chapter will involve experimenting with eco printing on to fabric.
"I am hoping to have a range of light Eco printing scarves ready for Summer.

https://www.instagram.com/growingwildza/
https://www.instagram.com/lilystrelley/

26/07/2023

Unfortunately we had to cancel the exhibition, but Tracy can be contacted directly for enquiries about her art.

TRACY ALGAR

Liz Clarke
If you are a regular walker in Stanford exploring the many unspoiled country spaces, the chances are you will meet up with one of Overstrand's favourite artists, Tracy Algar.
She will tell you that Stanford village and the Overberg have, over the years, grounded and connected her to the place where she lives and works.
In all probability she will have a paint brush in hand, eyes focused on the scenery ahead, ready to apply a swathe of colour to the canvas before her.
“I like to work en plein air as much as possible” she says. “I love the beauty of Stanford and for me there’s no greater joy than to immerse myself in a landscape, while painting it.”
The immediacy of this style of painting has its challenges, Tracy admits.
“Time constraints, the fickle nature of weather and working in a public space is not for everyone. But for me it sparks an energy that brings life to what I am expressing with paint and brush.”
It’s an energy that emboldens all of Tracy’s contemporary en plein air canvases where one senses that capturing a moment of fleeting light or a fast-moving shadow are integral to her composition.
“There is no time to think and debate. What I am seeing must be recorded quickly – and that’s the spontaneity I love – swift, loose brushwork and chasing the ever-changing light!”
On the process side, Tracy takes a reference photograph to inform the initial composition and to refer back to later, but prefers to paint from life to avoid what she terms the "flatness" of a photograph.
“When you paint from life you can perceive more depth making it an easier illusion to create.”
Tracy describes her paintings as being about the way the light falls on the environment, highlighting the shapes in different ways at different times of day.
“On different days and at different times the landscape changes and moves, and the same scene I painted yesterday looks entirely different today.
I start by mapping out the values carefully, and then allow myself total freedom with colour and brush strokes.”

https://www.tracyalgar.com
https://instagram.com/tracyalgar

21/06/2023

20/06/2023

01/06/2023

19/05/2023

Most things go into hibernation for winter, but the S.E office just woke up again.

Our next date is confirmed for the 9th of August, and yes it will be a celebration woman.
Watch this space, details will start breaking soon!!

03/04/2023

Here is a bit of their own composition. Well done boys!

03/04/2023

Everyone got in on the vibe!

03/04/2023

Everyone catching the vibe. What a great way to close off a Sunday.

03/04/2023

And then to the stars of the afternoon: Gugulethu Tenors, thank you for giving us a great performance. It was a privilage host you here in Stanford. Looking forward to working with you again soon!

03/04/2023

Here is a video as well.

03/04/2023

Weldone to the kids from “Die Kop Youth Group” with their performance yesterday. You guys did great!

02/04/2023

Look at them gathering all the chi during the Morning wake-up Qi-Gong session that took place on the Village green.

02/04/2023

Here are a few location shots I took a few weeks ago. It was a rainy day on the farm that day, but today it’s clear skies, middel 20’s and the wind is just a gentle breeze. Perfect conditions for the hills to come alive with the sweet voices of the Gugulethu Tenors this atternoon.
Show starts at 15:00, last minute tickets will be available at the venue from 14:30.

Come join us for the closing of the Stanford.Autumn ETHOS.

02/04/2023

It's not to late to see the Gugulethu Tenors Live at Stanford Hills Estate.
Tickets will be available at the venue 30 mins before the show starts at 15:00.

Bring your brother, sister, aunt, uncle, sommer bring the while family. The lawn is big enough for everyone, There will be food and wine, to go with the music and views.
It's the perfect thing to close off with, after a busy weekend.

30/03/2023

One more sleep before the Stanford:Autumn.ETHOS. Do you have your tickets yet?

16/03/2023

Proceeds from the Autumn.ETHOS will gonthe the restoration of St Thomas church building.

15/03/2023

Today I got the opportunity to do my first radio interview on the Caledon Fm with Janet Marshall. Thanks for having me on the show!

Here is a link to the full show, the interview is spread out over the 1st 45mins.

High Noon With The Marshall & Stanford Autumn Ethos

15/03/2023

Third item from the Stanford:Autumn ETHOS program is: Village Walks with story teller Henry Gibson.
When it comes to stories about the village and it's people from way back right up to now, Hendry is our very own Jessica Fletcher, if there is something worth knowing, Henry will be able to tell you. So it just made sense to pull him in to host the Village walks for us.
For now we've booked two tours on Saturday and Sunday both starting at 10:00am. The tour will be roughly and hour long and will focus on the main streets around Queen Victoria, with references to sites and happening further away.

The group size is limited to +/- 15 people per tour.
Tickets can be booked via the Tourism Office or by phoning 028 341 8516 at R35 each. Proceeds will be split between Henry and The Anglican Church Restoration Project.
We've agreed with Henry to consider hosting a set of afternoon tours depending on demand.

15/03/2023

Third item from the Stanford:Autumn ETHOS program is: Village Walks with story teller Henry Gibson.
When it comes to stories about the village and it's people from way back right up to now, Hendry is our very own Jessica Fletcher, if there is something worth knowing, Henry will be able to tell you. So it just made sense to pull him in to host the Village walks for us.
For now we've booked two tours on Saturday and Sunday both starting at 10:00am. The tour will be roughly and hour long and will focus on the main streets around Queen Victoria, with references to sites and happening further away.

The group size is limited to +/- 15 people per tour.
Tickets can be booked via the Tourism Office or by phoning 028 341 8516 at R35 each. Proceeds will be split between Henry and The Anglican Church Restoration Project.

We've agreed with Henry to consider hosting a set of afternoon tours depending on demand.

14/03/2023

Die Kop youth group all away from Stanford at the Cape Town Jazzathon.

https://youtu.be/L7joiUwkpPM?t=447

14/03/2023

We are launching our page with exciting news: The Gugulethu Tenors will be performing at Stanford Hills as the closing event for the Stanford:Autumn ETHOS that will run over the weekend of the 31st of March to the 2nd of April 2023.
During the 1st ETHOS we will raise funds for the Stanford Anglican Church Restoration Project.