The Liminal Space of Creation: Between Nando's Grill and Global Art, Kevin Collins Shares His Non-Conformist Philosophy on Sustainable Ceramics and Mentorship.
Kevin Collins is a multidisciplinary creative whose life refuses to be contained by a single label. From studying medicine to mastering ceramics, from running pop-up restaurants to working in advertising, Kevin's journey is defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a refusal to conform. In this conversation, Kevin shares insights into his creative process, the global journey of his artworks, and the everyday inspirations that shape his remarkable career.
Tell us about your process between the creation and completion.
Liminality refers to the state between conscious and unconscious and recalls so much of my working process and my final products. The difference between dream, though and 'real life' often intersect in my universe. My world is a curious duality in which conforming has always been incredibly difficult; however, I am certainly never to be associated with the myth of the 'tortured artist'. I paint what I am, which is really a positive, curious and highly personal (but I hope sufficiently universal for anyone to engage) journey. The items that are embedded in my mind and in my works are from years of collecting, noting and observing while travelling and from basically living in the most curious of times.
How do your artworks find their way around the world?
People find me on Instagram and message me from whatever far-flung corner of the world with enquiries about my work. Most are not what they would call 'art enthusiasts' but rather people who have seen something they just love. From Argentina to Auckland, and from Moscow to Maseru, ceramics and some paintings are found in homes and offices.
Given the organic nature of clay, how sustainable are ceramics?
You started studying medicine before art. How do you explain that jump?
To quote my doppelganger Stephen Fry: "Taste every fruit of every tree in the garden at least once. It is an insult to creation not to experience it fully. Temperance is wickedness". Thus, my world has changed course a number of times - I have driven a taxi, operated a manual switchboard, supervised office cleaners, been a chef (and trained as a griller at Nando's), taught, directed documentaries, written and illustrated children's books, made television commercials, interviewed Nelson Mandela, and consulted on many international brands. But have yet to skydive, eat Mopani worms, fish for Marlin or visit New York!
You studied under Stanley Pinker, Helmut Starke, and Cecil Skotness; how important is mentorship in art?
Crucial as one develops ways of thinking rather than imitating styles. I think mentorship in many fields is underrated, and it's a great way to employ and gain insights from people who have been forced to stop working because of pension policies.
Is your creative process structured and calm, or is it a space of creative chaos?
It happens all the time, my mind is not a logical or particularly calm space as it juggles at least 6 things all the time - I even go to sleep planning creative works, menus and my next thing to put into the garden.
Describe your studio and what you love about it:
Fortunately, I live with an incredibly tolerant, generous and kind partner who allows me to use the kitchen table as it's my most favourite 'studio' - tea in reach and the radio gently playing all day long.
Do you ever bring your work home with you?
I work from home, so it's everywhere
How can people incorporate more ceramic products into their homes, whether as art or functional items?
By being conscious and careful, local ceramics are becoming more and more accessible and reasonably priced.
Having worked in advertising, how do you find commercial opportunities for your art?
I have been asked to produce work for commercial interiors and to illustrate certain new products - plenty of opportunities.
What made you pick up a brush again after all those years in advertising?
Fear of dying - quite simply, I had a small tumour in my brain (sorted out medically quite quickly), and it just alerted me to the possibility that the long-awaited 'retirement', which I would then use to paint, might well not actually come along
You won your episode of Come Dine With Me because of your dishes - but did you make your own plates?
Gee, that was years ago. I do have plates that we eat off, but my belief is very much that one should use all beautiful things, and many of my whale plates would look great at tea time, covered in macaroons or petit fours!
I know that you can cook because of your occasional pop-up restaurant at Glendas (Hyde Park). When is the next one, and how can people find out about the next one?
Thinking about doing tapas again in the new year, so many folks really loved the concept, especially eating outside in this glorious summer weather we have in Jozi. Currently engaged with several catering and wedding projects.
Excluding Glendas, what are some of your favourite hotspots in Jozi for coffee, brunch, or lunch?
The best spot to start your day is at The Patisserie in Rudd Road Illovo (old Post Office centre, then pop into the wonderful emporium called 14 Monkeys - delightfully curated by Kind Huddy - which has opened next door or wander over the road to browse the spices at Thrupps. Then head to Craighall to Café Dolci (remember Lucianna, that grand dame of Italian cooking from Assagi - well, she is here now) for a great lunch, but first a quick stop at MotMot in Parkhurst to see the delightful merchandise that George hunts down. Cath a cocktail at The Wild Side in Burnside Avenue then head to Modern Tailors in Rosebank for superb Indian delights.
When you're not in the studio, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
'Spare time' is not a concept I indulge in much - I don't own a television but do have a pile of books next to my bed, all waiting to be read. People watching is a great way to pass an afternoon, especially in a foreign destination.
You're quite a Renaissance man, dabbling in medicine, art, advertising, and cooking. What's next for you? And something you're really bad at?
Many - I'm hopeless at paperwork like invoicing and accounts, I loath cleaning the pool and cannot fix a car but the thing I most regret that I am very bad at is remembering people's names!
Your Instagram profile reads: you enjoy everyday things that are almost more important than dreams. What things are more important than dreams to you?
Cups of tea are a comfort and can certainly pull my world together when I feel shattered - now that's better than a dream!