Jeff Rankin

Jeff Rankin : Artist, Printmaker and Teacher at the Albatross Studio, South Africa

Jeff trained in South Africa and the UK as a Printmaking specialist, completing his MA in Fine Art at Stellenbosch University. From 1976 to 2009 he worked in the Art Departments of Universities and Technikons in KwaZulu-Natal and East London.  During that period he had extensive experience as an illustrator, designer and political cartoonist. His work is held in public and private collections in SA, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Jeff now works full-time at the Albatross Studio (situated at the southern edge of the beautiful Wild Coast) on commissions and exhibitions, having refined his love for printmaking in a unique combination of content, medium and style. His latest exhibition of woodcuts (original blocks in colour, as well as prints) was at the artSPACE Durban Gallery. At the Albatross he also offers classes and workshops in Drawing and Printmaking, and collaborates with Judy Rankin (psychologist) to offer workshops in Narrative Art Therapy.

Studio and Gallery: Jeff's artworks are exhibited and on sale at the studio; it's advisable to call before visiting, as exhibition times vary. In addition the Albatross Studio is part of the developing Art Route in this area. With other studios on this route we aim to provide clients and visitors with a selection of unique work of the highest quality in our respective art forms.

Printmaking and Drawing
Printmaking is an exciting and magical form of art, covering many different techniques in colour and black-&-white. The uniquely-designed studio caters for 6 students per class. Drawing is the essence of Jeff's work as an artist: in his teaching he encourages an individual interpretation of drawing and its application in the techniques of printmaking.
Annual Course:  Jeff's approach is hands-on, relaxed but quality-focussed. The course consists of 30 classes run on a weekly basis: this provides good continuity and progress on ideas and techniques including woodcut, monoprint, drypoint, etching, bookmaking and others.
Art Workshops: these began in the 2nd half of 2010. There are 2 basic Workshops: Drawing and Printmaking, with variations in technique and content. Duration varies from 1 to 3 days, depending on content.

Narrative Art Therapy & other workshops (in collaboration with Judy Rankin)
You do not have to be “an artist” to attend these exciting and life-giving workshops! You are invited to creatively explore stories of your life and relationships through art techniques, to open up multiple possibilities for personal growth and development. Workshops include creative activities such as beach sculpture, working with paint, collage, woodcut and other artist’s printing techniques. You are given an opportunity to share your reflections with others in the group and witness the stories of others.
As well as Narrative Art Therapy (1-day, 2-day and 4-day), we also offer Team Building workshops, and workshops for Corporate and Professional Personal Development. For further detail of judy's work please email jrankin@mweb.co.za

On the upper level of the Albatross Studio, under a magnificent thatch roof, is a fully-fitted self-catering apartment comprising a double bedroom en suite (shower over bath), large open-plan living room and kitchen, with TV and extra sleeping space if needed. Entrance is via a relaxing deck with beautiful ocean views. Downstairs is a private garden, braai, and off-street parking behind locked gates. The apartment is also available for holiday accommodation. The Wild Coast Jikeleza route is well known as a destination for those seeking a relaxing stress-free getaway. The Sunrise beach offers quiet stretches of wonderful beach just a short walk from the apartment. To view the apartment, see Albatross Studio on the SleepingOut and SafariNow accommodation websites. Bookings may be made directly by contacting Jeff or Judy.

The apartment is used as residence for all Workshops, accommodating up to three participants who enjoy the seaside atmosphere while having immediate access to the workshop venue. There are several B&B and self-catering venues in and around Sunrise-on-Sea, so accommodation for workshops is never a problem.