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Home is where the art is

homeis01

Abu Dhabi Week scrubs up with doctor and artist Elwin Buchel, as the South African canvas-surgeon put down his palette to give us an insight into his vigorous life

Walking along the corridor of a sterile apartment block, we didn’t need to look for the flat number of Elwin Buchel’s place as brightly coloured, oversized frogs stood guard in front of their creator’s doorway.  The door swiftly opened with Buchel inviting us in; a labyrinth of more frogs, canvasses and pottery covered the majority of living space.

“He paints in the lounge, which isn’t ideal but we compromise,” explained wife Sjaan, who’s been a part of every stage of her husbands artistic career since 2000.
“We’ve been married for 43 years and she is the most consistent factor in my life; she manages the art, marketing and sales,” added Buchel.

homeis02After ten hectic years completing his Masters degree in Internal Medicine the doctor picked up his brushes again in 1987. Since then, he has had 40 solo exhibitions and worked as a lecturer and clinical tutor at the University of Pretoria before coming to Abu Dhabi in 1999 – he now works at Burjeel Hospital.
“During my first six months here, I didn’t paint much. I only drew a few sketches and that was it,” explained Buchel. But now painting is part of his daily routine, an integral part to his day.

“I believe by maintaining some balance in life you can survive the pressures it throws at you. My day starts at 5am and I paint until 7am. This is when I feel like I work best. Then it’s to the beach to walk and swim; the water is cold but energising. I like to say that cold water ‘warms the neurons’. Then it’s coffee and work from 9am,” described Buchel.

homeis05Buchel’s work is explosive in colour, vivacious and direct. He is bold and fluid in style, he paints large landscapes and flowers in an impressionist style. Buchel describes his work as a “happy atmosphere” and this is certainly evident when walking around his living room, as the viewer is constantly grinning at the works on display. Even the dining table and chairs have been ‘Buchelled’ making dinner with friends that little extra flamboyant.
Currently Buchel is exhibiting from his home, but the future looks as bright as his work, as soon he will be presenting work at the new gallery.

homeis04“I have an open studio every Friday between 10am and 1pm. At the moment I am working on a collection of smaller canvasses which are collectively titled Homage to Nelson Mandela,” explained Buchel. “My next exhibition will be in a new gallery in Khalidiya area, but the details are still being finalised.”

 

 

 

Home studio location

 

802 Silver Towers, Corniche Lane, in front of Corniche Lake
If you are interested in viewing Elwin Buchel’s home studio
or would like more details on
his upcoming exhibition,
call: 050 445 5536

Jack Dignum

One Response to Home is where the art is

  1. Maria says:

    Had the privilege of working with this doctor at the military hospital. Really wonderful artist!
    Maria

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