Driaan Claassen
Mixed media sculptor
Cape Town, South Africa
Sculpting positive social narratives
- Driaan is a self-taught artist and mixed media sculptor
- Through his practice, he aims to challenge stereotypes around gender-defined crafts
- His work also invites conversation around mental health
Working with a variety of materials such as ceramic, copper and wood, Driaan Claassen crafts sculptures that speak of openness about mental health and gender stereotyping. He uses crochet and knitting techniques to invite a new audience to consider them an accessible craft. "My aim is to raise the interest of those who might find such techniques to be a beautiful medium, yet identify them as strictly feminine and out of their reach," he explains. Driaan is also inspired by a fascination and appreciation for materiality and making. His sculptural objects are based on complex ideas that he shapes into abstract forms, allowing for the interpretation and animation of ideas. "Exploring materiality and creating my own making processes is my way of expressing what I feel," he shares.
INTERVIEW
My practice is a constant search for materiality to reflect parts of my emotion, in order to share the complexity of the human mind and psyche. Through my work I also aim to normalise the conversation around mental health, to reduce shame and lower the barriers of vulnerability around this topic.
The first object I made was a small wooden totem that I carved by hand. It represented the neural pathways and synapses of the mind. I spent weeks sanding and carving the undulating form to create balance and flow for both the eye and the hand when touched.
My wire weaving is an example of how I take aspects of a traditional craft, and express them in a whole new way. For example I interpreted crochet techniques by making a material such as wire, not known for its softness, appear more pliable and accessible. In doing so I innovate from the past into the future.
What I love most is my ability to share my experiences and to use that to redefine and rediscover myself. It is through the use of making that I get to fall into my unconscious mind and recognise who I am without judgment or shame. Bringing that quality to my audience is my way of de-stigmatising mental health and bring hope to others.
