The person behind the SALW 2022 poster - Alecia Steenkamp

 

Tell us more about yourself. 

My name is Alecia Steenkamp, I live in Pietermaritzburg and work for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts & Culture at Library Services. I am the Assistant Director: Planning & Research.

My story start far away from here, though. I am the youngest of 3 daughters. I was born in Standerton but we moved to Pretoria soon after. When I was seven, we moved to Alma, Limpopo, where the town was small and the library even smaller. I matriculated at Nylstroom High School and from there went on to study library science at the University of Pretoria. After I graduated I moved to Pietermaritzburg for my first job as a librarian, and I just stayed. I am married with 2 wonderful kids that keeps me on my toes and gives me grey hair. The cliché of reading being a favourite pastime for librarians is true for me.

Why did you decide to study library science?

When I had to choose a career path in high school, my dad said you can’t make a career in art and the word starve was mentioned a few times in the conversation. So, I followed in my mom’s footsteps. She used to work at the library of the then Transvaal Education Department in Pretoria. One of my clearest memories when I was little, is my mom taking me to work one day, and I remember the smell and the vast number of books. I was in awe. My first day stepping into the Depot at KZN Library Services at my first job as a librarian, that wonderful smell of books hit me together with the memories and I knew I was home.

Although, ignorance is bliss, back then I never knew about the intricacies of Dewey and AARC2 until varsity, admittedly it never was my strong point. Oh, and I was really bad at maths and science.

Where does your art talent come from?

As far as I know, from my mom’s side. My dad could not draw for nothing, history was his passion. My mom passed away when I was 10 years old, and I only started drawing after that.

Tell us how you first got involve with designing a poster for SALW.

My first design was in 2017. There was a call for the design of the Library Week poster, and I thought I'll take a chance and enter. I was new to computer graphic design and that was where the thought to combine my two passions started. Since then, I did the 2019 design and this year's design. It has been wonderful to work with LIASA and with people that are as passionate about libraries as I am. I am grateful for the opportunities to submit designs about subjects so close to my heart.

 

If you’re not working or painting, what are you doing to keep yourself occupied?

Home life and family keeps me busy, with 2 kids at school it takes up quite a lot of time. Reading time has therefore been moved to before bedtime.

Where will we be able to see some of your art?

On the walls and floor of my home and some on the walls of other people’s homes. I do have a Facebook page for my art, it is called Alecia’s Art. I must confess I am not the most avid social media content creator and can do more in that regard. I also do art exhibitions once or twice a year. I have been exhibiting at the Hilton Arts Festival since 2013. But obviously since COVID the exhibitions have been reduced. Things are slowly getting back to as normal as can expected.

How do you combine your art talent with your chosen career?

First, I must say, Librarians are some of the most creative people out there. The creativity to do displays and do library programmes with little to no resources amazes me every day.

I am fortunate to be acting Assistant Director for our Promotions Section at Library Services and has been involved in the conceptualisation of our posters and other promotional material. I have learned a lot about graphic design from Wayne Peyper, our graphic designer that has since retired. I do think it is challenging to illustrate libraries' true worth in communities and I do feel as a profession we don’t do nearly enough to advocate and market ourselves.

What is the most difficult part about being a part time artist?

Not being able to create more, focus on developing skill and methods.

What is your favourite and least favourite parts of being a librarian and of being an artist?

At this moment my least favourite part of being a librarian is not being a librarian. As I am in management most of the time is spend on POE gathering, working with auditors and monthly reports.

The least favourite part of being an artist is getting your work noticed. You need to work hard to stand out so that people notice, as there are amazing artist out there.

My favourite part of being a librarian is working with and knowing amazing LIS people.

Favourite part of being an artist is the creative process, losing yourself in the work you are creating.

How long have you been in the LIS field and how long have you been an artist?

I have been in the LIS field since 1997. I started as a librarian at KZN Provincial Library Services (KZNPLS) at the Midlands Depot that provide services to libraries in the Midlands district of KZN. From there I worked at the Collection Development Section as a librarian. Moved back to Midlands Depot as Assistant Director then became Assistant Director: Planning & Research. I have been with KZNPLS for 25 years now.

As an artist, using the title artist loosely, since Primary school. I had art as a subject in high school till matric.  My art took a bit of a backseat when I started working and paddling took up most of my time then. Renewed interest started when I exhibited for the first time at the Hilton Art festival in 2013.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you ever got in general, as a librarian, and as an artist?

In general - You are stronger than you think.

As a librarian - To never forget the impact you have on people’s lives.

As an artist – Do art for you, then art for someone will follow.

But this quote is one of my favourites:

“When you buy something from an artist, you’re buying more than an object. You are buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You’re not buying just one thing, you are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul. A small piece of someone else’s life.”

-Adier Palmer

How do you come up with ideas for paintings?

Every artist's art evolves, so I would try new mediums and techniques. YouTube is a wonderful platform to learn, be inspired and get advice from. I am more of a landscape artist, so I find inspiration all around me, in our beautiful country.

Which librarian and which artist are your role models?

It will be a disservice to single out one librarian as a role model. Librarians and other LIS colleagues have come across my path in my career that has taught me so much that no university would ever be able to do. Each one special in their own way. I have been fortunate to have had managers that was and is passionate about libraries and from each I have gained valuable experience. Carol Slater, Thembi Kumalo, Nokuthula Musa, Mzo Zuma and Bongeka Mjwara to name just a few.

I cannot name an artist as a role model, they are more inspirational and there it is just so many at different stages of my life that inspired me.

Whose art do you enjoy?

Recently I discovered the art of Hester Berry, Barry Hilton, and South African artist Simon Addy. Social media has opened up a world of amazing artists and art to enjoy. Next week I might have new favourites.

What was your favourite book growing up?

My book world was small and consisted of Saartjie and Trompie books and in high school Ena Murry (yes, I will admit that).

What book/s are you currently reading?

A long-term book and one that can’t be read in a day or night, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

And then with our KZN eBook service Rise by Siya Kolisi (I am a bit of a rugby supporter, thanks to my dad and having no boys, someone had to go to rugby games with him). A deep dark secret I'll share with you,.. I like my romances too.

If you could be mentored by a famous person, who would it be and why?

I do not know, this is a difficult question. Is there a famous artist-librarian somewhere out there that I do not know off?

Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audio books?

I would go old school here and say printed books, but ebooks are easier available, so I do tend to read more in that format.

If you weren’t a librarian and an artist, what would you have done for a living?

This is seriously a difficult question as I always thought if I can’t be a librarian then I would like to be an artist. How about a bookstore owner that gives art classes in the bookstore on weekends? See, business owner and teacher 😊

An excerpt from this interview was published in the June 2022 issue of the LIASA-in-Touch.