Miro van der Vloed Interview
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a game farm just outside of Pretoria.
While growing up, what did you want to be?
From a young age, I have been interested in art and food. For a while, I wanted to become a food photographer but have decided to focus on pursuing a career in the visual arts.
You chose to pitch on our beach house theme. What was your inspiration?
I drew inspiration from the beautiful coral found along the South African coast. I wanted to bring awareness to the dire situation marine life faces due to overfishing, global warming and pollution of our waters. The use of negative and positive space in the designs speaks to how the absence of these coral reefs would have a very negative environmental impact on our unique marine life.
Do you have an Instagram or online profile?
When did you start your art practice?
Seeing as my parents are both creative, I was always exposed to art in some form. I started at the age of 8, playing with clay in my mother’s ceramic studio and doing ink dipping projects.
Where are you in your career as a South African artist?
I am currently in my last year of a BA in Fine Arts degree at the University of Cape Town.
How do you think art can be used to address current social issues in South Africa?
I think its power lies in its ability to carry a visual message that transcends the barriers of language and culture in a country as diverse as South Africa. It can evoke empathy within the viewer and bring awareness to the various social issues that we face in this country.
What is your favourite South African meal?
The smell of a classic South African braai is something that evokes so many memories of time spent with family and friends.