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Notable Work
Nelson Mandela About the Person - Way back in 1985 John undertook to find two of the grandchildren that Nelson Mandela was particularly concerned about while he was in jail. John located the children in the Transkei and in the process was himself arrested. This created a link, which has culminated in the creation of the Nelson Mandela Bronze. About the Sculpture - John has portrayed Nelson Mandela during the pivotal years of his presidency and endeavoured to capture the radiance and generosity of spirit the world has grown to love. Where it ended up - The bronze now sits in Nelson Mandela's office at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The Project Manager for the Centre of Memories in Johannesburg said that he had recently seen Madiba (Nelson Mandela) standing in his doorway smiling at the bronze. 
Desmond Tutu About the Person - I have enormous admiration for how he speaks out about injustice and wrong-doings. He has no favourites. He has a wonderful sense of humour, is very down to earth and has remaind both humble and human. Desmond Tutu was a very fitting start to the 'Legends Series'. About the Sculpture - John created this piece from photographs he shot himself and from studying the man over breakfast and while he celebrated communion. The bronze was completed from a live sitting and when the Archbishop Emeritus saw the finished work he said, "I like the nose - you got that right!" Where it ended up - The Artists proof was sold at the Elton John Charity Ball for 50,000 (GB Sterling) in aid of HIV Aids projects in Southern Africa. It is now in a private collection in Mayfair, London. One has also been set aside for the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre to be built in Cape Town.
Ian Player About the Person - Ian Player founded the Wilderness Leadership School 50 years ago in South African and this bronze was created to celebrate the event. Ian, over the years, has founded numerous international organisations and played a key role in changing perceptions about the role of Wilderness in the human psyche. He is a powerful personality who is known for persistence in fighting for the environment, putting man back in his place in relation to nature and changing the ways that generations of people think about the world. About the Sculpture - John wanted to capture the ruggedness and strength of character of a man who has dedicated his life to such a worthy cause. Where it ended up - The bronze has found its rightful place in the Head Office of the Wilderness Leadership School in Durban South Africa.
FW de Klerk About the Person - Having been the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize together with Nelson Mandela and having played such an important part in South Africa's destiny it was fitting that FW de Klerk was added to the 'Legends of Africa' series. About the Sculpture - John wanted to capture his humanity and created him with a gentle smile. It was a revelation, during the sitting, to be able to talk to FW and find out about the person behind the politics. Where it ended up - This sculpture remains in the offices of the FW de Klerk Foundation in Cape Town.
Helen Suzman About the Person - Helen Suzman bailed me out of jail in 1972, after I was arrested and beaten while demonstrating for equal education. She has continued to visit prisoners well into her '80's and has had a profound impact on numerous people's lives. She was the first person to meet Nelson Mandela on Robben Island when he was in prison and it was fascinating to hear the story first-hand while doing the photo shoot. She was able to persuade the authorities to remove a particularly nasty jailor from the island and so improve Nelson's quality of life. As one of the most remarkable democratic politicians of all time it was fitting that she be included in the 'Legends of Africa' series. Without her the new South Africa would not have come about. She fought valiantly and alone in parliament for many years and exposed the injustices internationally. About the Sculpture - John wanted to capture her intellect, integrity and courage together with her sensitivity and humour. Where it ended up - This sculpture will probably be placed in the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa.
John Kani About the Person - John Kani acted in a number of Athol Fugard's pivotal plays, He is an Author and was an activist in the 'old' South Africa. He was the lead in a passion play, which was both profound and powerful, after which I met him for the first time. It was rewarding to meet him again 20 years later when I had the opportunity to do a photo-shoot with him in preparation for the bronze sculpture. I have followed his career and amazing work closely. John had previously been attacked by an apartheid era hit squad stabbed through his eye brow and left for dead - it is a miracle that he survived. About the Sculpture - John has an amazing smile, which I wanted to capture. He is an avid story-teller and, through his acting and other work, has made a very positive contribution to South Africa. Where it ended up - It too is likely to go to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, where he is a Founding Director.
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