Artist and Architect, Elke le Roux, shares here her learnings and lessons from the past year, her self examination from Africa… her Afrospection.
Looking Back…
Q: How would you describe your 2017?
A: It was a year full of new challenges, experiences and it was great! still is!
Q: What was something good that came out of 2017?
A: There were so many great things. New projects each with their own challenges, a trip overseas (the Netherlands), and a trip through the Namib Desert that was life changing!
Q: What challenged you in 2017 and how did you overcome this challenge? (Advice you could share with us for overcoming challenges)
A: Deadlines that are overlapping! Not to stress and worry about another project while working on one. It is a waste of time, rather be present, work hard and wake up earlier!
Q: What was your favourite Art in 2017? Theatre, music, movie, artist or art collection…
A: June 2017, Den Haag, the opening of the 100 years of Piet Mondrian exhibition. Also on this same day I watched a Stef Bos solo concert in an old cathedral. An unforgettable experience with lights, architecture and music!
Q: What was your biggest health and wellness learning of 2017?
A: Do more cardio exercise and to get back to yoga! Early morning swim sessions and the other mornings I go for a run around the watertower, Klein Windhoek! Great views of the city, fresh air and a couple of stretches is a ‘doepa’ to kickstart the day! And to give myself time to do ‘nothing’! which allows for ideas to formulate and creativity to happen
Q: What was your biggest personal development learning of 2017?
A: I overthink and overplan/structure my life and career too often…then fear kicks in and then I sometimes just leave the idea… then I regret. So… Sometimes it is best to take an idea, think about it, visualise myself doing it and then to make a plan to execute it. It may sound ‘cheesy’ but this ‘new age’ affirmation action is really helping me! Positive thoughts lead to great results.
As for the Holidays…
Q: What is your favourite food in December?
A: Spanspek, watermelon, prawns and ice cold beer.
Q: What is your favourite Namibian destination?
A: Spitzkoppe
Q: What book should we all be reading?
A: The book of Joy: Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: Generally anything that is uniquely beautiful… colours, Zambian patterns, ferris wheels, wrinkles, smiles, people, building sites, scaffolding, water towers, generosity and wisdom!
Looking Forward…
Q: What is your mantra for life?
A: Because you are alive, everything is possible.
Q: What is your wish for the world for 2018?
A: The world….that is big…let me think.. That the Western Cape will get water again!
That a universal rule gets implemented where for 30 minutes minimum a day people should spend time with their kids/family/friends or do exercise or just sit on a stoep look, embrace, think and enjoy human conversations or just do nothing. Let the brain rest. (with the emphasis that no cellphone is in sight 🙂
Q: What is your wish for Namibia for 2018?
A: That more care should be taken into the conservation of old heritage buildings in Namibia (especially Windhoek) and that more care/leniency should be considered towards foreigners/professionals applying for work visas/permits.
Q: What is your wellness goal for 2018?
A: Invest time in people, activities, projects that makes me happy. Stop fearing, and to keep my eyes on my goal.