Description
Art of The Oldowan is a profoundly evocative sculpture that channels the very wellspring of human consciousness, a tangible echo from the mists of our earliest beginnings. The work invites the viewer into an intimate dialogue with the primordial, the “ancient Soul of Africa,” which the artist describes as our root and collective unconscious, flowing like liquid motion where the material and spiritual are inseparable. The choice of earthenware clay as the medium is intrinsic to its power. The natural, earthy tones of the clay, in its unfired state, present a monochromatic palette that speaks of origins, of Gaia’s raw expression of potentiality configurations before diversification.
This deliberate simplicity focuses attention on the sculptural form itself, its organic textures, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow that endows it with a quiet, breathing presence. It captures a sense of serene introspection, of timelessness, as if the clay itself holds the inter, generationally passed down old memories that represent our universal spiritual, material life, allowing us to unconsciously tap into these universal truths. This act of creation, a form emerging from the artist’s spontaneous sculpting process, is best described in his own words as the moment “Where my soul meets the inevitable.”
This profound artistic expression flows from the life and work of Jos Steenkamp the artistic name of Dr Jo Steenkamp, a renowned Clinical Psychologist and sculptor based in Pretoria, South Africa. Dr Steenkamp, who earned his doctorate in Psychology in 1991, is the innovator behind the SHIP® (Spontaneous Healing Intra, systemic Process) psychotherapeutic method. His ground breaking work in this specialised field has extended over nearly four decades, dedicated to understanding and facilitating the spontaneous healing of trauma and the intricate psycho-biological regulation of internal dis-ease. In 2001, his commitment to this vision led him to found The SHIP® Foundation, where he continues to lead as CEO and principal trainer, shaping the therapeutic landscape both locally and internationally. Dr Steenkamp is also a respected author of five books and numerous internationally recognised articles, and a sought after speaker in diverse forums.
After a significant 22 year hiatus, during which he was deeply immersed in the development and dissemination of SHIP®, Dr Steenkamp returned to the sculpting studio in 2021. This was a poignant full circle moment, reigniting a passion first discovered at the tender age of 16. His return to sculpture was not merely a revival of an old interest but a profound “coming home,” a metaphor for the life long quest to find the self and live in alignment with one’s innermost truth. This act unified his deep understanding of the human psyche, honed through years of clinical practice and theoretical development, with the tactile, intuitive process of working with clay.
Art of The Oldowan can be seen as a direct manifestation of this reunion. The sculpture’s emergence from the clay, its connection to ancient roots and the “archetypal realm,” mirrors the deep psychological explorations inherent in SHIP®. It touches upon the “genetic code” and the primordial spirit that Dr Steenkamp’s work often addresses. The spontaneous nature of this piece resonates with the “Spontaneous Healing” central to his therapeutic model, suggesting that deep within our shared human story lies an innate capacity for integration and wholeness.
Jos Steenkamp considers his sculptures to be more than mere aesthetic objects; he views them as powerful vessels of relational energy. Each form, including Art of The Oldowan, emerges from an intuitive interplay of the conscious and unconscious, a creative dialogue that invites the viewer into a shared experience of presence, beingness, and meaning. This process embodies what he terms “the creative spirit of relational exchange” where the observer becomes a “co-narrator” in the unfolding narrative of the artwork. Guided by gratitude, relational insight, and profound spiritual depth, his sculptures encourage a deeper dialogue between the seen and the unseen.
Art of The Oldowan, therefore, stands as a mirror, reflecting not only the ancient human journey but also our own inner landscapes, inviting us to connect with the foundational layers of our psyche and the timeless quest for authentic being. It is a testament to the enduring power of art to heal, reflect, and creatively connect us to ourselves and our shared human heritage.
Artist: Jos Steenkamp (SA1957)
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