La Femme treated Port Elizabeth artist Bretten-Anne Moolman to lunch at the Friendly Stranger in Bridge Street
The Friendly Stranger seems to be a popular choice for lunch dates with La Femme, with artist Bretten-Anne Moolman picking the cosy coffee shop for her rendezvous. However, its delicious array of cakes – the drawcard for many customers – don't feature on her plate.
Moolman is allergic to eggs and normally chooses one of the other items on the menu, like the butter curry.
Apart from her own art, Moolman opened a new art school, Art on Target, six months ago at the former ACT Centre in Target Kloof – and it will be buzzing over the National Arts Festival with a sundowner concert each day as well as visual art. It's a market, music cafe and art school catering for all ages.
I like the Friendly Stranger because it is a place with character and good food, plus the people working there are always friendly, even if you are a stranger, ha ha ha. I'll know I've made it when I can communicate exactly what I intend in a painting and it is realised by the viewer to such a degree that they need to go home with it.
I love teaching art because it is a meaningful pursuit to encourage people to access their creativity and develop their skills. I get such a thrill when a student, no matter how young or old, internalises what I have taught and produces art work that reflects this realisation.
The person who has taught me the most is a difficult question as there have been numerous mentors and teachers in my life; but as far as art is concerned my professor from Rhodes, Robert Brooks and more recently Anthony Harris of ART Gallery.
I have a soft spot for sleeping in the afternoon, baby animals and children.
I should have studied exactly what I did study, fine arts at Rhodes University, I would not change that at all. I would like to learn more about cooking though, as it is another passion I pursue.
I'd love to party with good friends, family and great music. I'm listening to Coldplay, Daft Punk and Nina Simone. When I was 16, I wish I knew Freddie Mercury from Queen. My music weakness is live acoustic concerts.
Nothing makes me happier than When we have an acoustic concert or an exhibition at Art on Target and it is well received and supported by people of the city and surrounds.
My favourite item of clothing is a scarf for every occasion. I absolutely hate cruelty to the innocent but mostly cruelty to women and children.
I am saving to buy a superb education for my three children.
I share my life with my folks Rick and Corrinne, my brother Mare and his family and especially with my gorgeous husband Wayne and my lovely grounded three children, Danielle, Ashleigh and Tom. As well as the pets, Shiva, King, Sophie, Pippin and Rhino.
I can't go a day without starting the day with a good cup of filter coffee.
Picture credit: Fredlin Adriaan
This article was published on The Herald.