If you head west on state road 80—the
highway that spans the width of Florida--you’ll quickly come to C street. Then
if you take a right, and then another right onto the rutted dirt road called Collecting
Canal, which, of course, runs along a canal, you’ll come upon a wonderfully
hidden residence called Pferdekamper
Studio. Don’t bother trying to use your iphone maps app because the address
is off the grid. When you see the sign “Art Show,” you’ll know you’ve arrived.
Slightly outside of Wellington, the
home belongs to Gisela Pferdekamper, an artist herself who helps promote other artists.
Her last name, Pferdekamper, actually means “horse’s
camp” which is highly appropriate because Gisela and her husband, Howald,
have been involved with horses ever since they married in Germany, from where
they both came. When they first moved to the Wellington ranch eleven years ago,
it housed many horses. And before that they developed the multi-ranch community
of White Fences, and founded the Palm Beach Dressage Derby. I’d say they’ve contributed tons to the
western communities since they first landed in 1976.
When they moved from Germany, they
brought 33 Hanoverian horses in tow. The trip was originally planned for the
winter months to enable the horses to more easily acclimate to Florida’s
weather—an extreme contrast to northern Germany’s. But complications prevented
them. When they were ready to crate the animals for a flight west, Gisela said
that the crates they received were the wrong size. They were meant for cows and
only stood about four feet high. This would never work for a horse on a 9 hour
flight. So the journey was delayed two months while they farmed out the horses
to nearby ranches and waited for the right sized crates to come. Finally, the horses boarded—two months
late—and they arrived in Florida during hot and humid April. Many horses lost
weight during the ordeal, but eventually recovered.
Gisela has a love for both art and
nature. Her compound is evidence of it. Outside there are pergolas and walks,
as well as great botanicals thriving everywhere. She even has a bird aviary. It
once held several white peacocks. Now there’s just one named, “Come, Come,” one
dove—who incidentally loves to perch on “Come, Come” and groom him—one
pheasant, several non-egg-producing chickens and one cockatoo. A few large dogs
rule the roost.
The horses gradually spent out
their season and Gisela renovated the barn into an artist’s studio. The high
ceilings and open feel create the perfect place to display and work on her
paintings. She specializes in a series called “Fat Horses.” They are truly
funny. And I doubt anyone is offended by the un-politically correct adjective
when applied to a horse.
 |
| “A Rose is A Rose” |
Gisela’s more modestly proportioned horses are wonderful,
too. They all look like they are having a good time. Here is her “Horses over
the Clouds.”
 " |
| "Horses Over Clouds" |
A while ago, she branched out to painting zebras explaining that, “A zebra is kind of like a horse.” The
zebras have been a big hit with admirers. She cites their popularity to their dramatic
color contrast and playfulness.
 |
| "Happy Zebras" |
The
barn-turned-studio is also home to a large kiln. It wasn’t long before Gisela
started working with clay. She forms
everything from hand without a wheel. Here’s
a three-dimensional version of her full-figured equines.
Gisela’s clay
specialty is the Tangine. The Tangine is a Moroccan pot that uses water and a
return system to cook meat and vegetables. Unlike a crock pot, the ingredients
do not get cooked to death and retain their nutrients.
Because of the
domed or cone-shaped lid of the Tangine, steam is trapped and returns the
condensed liquid to the pot; hence a minimal amount of water is needed to cook
meats and vegetables to buttery tenderness.
Gisela also paints fiberglass
horses in various themes. These are also popular works.
Twice a year Gisela puts on an art
show in her barn studio. She recently held one that featured potters, jewelry
makers, illustrators and painters. While
the sales were a bit down, “It was a great party,” she said. If it’s her goal
to showcase and promote other artists, she’s certainly doing her part.
When I asked Gisela if she’d like
to add anything more, she said. “Yes. Wellington is not high on art. They love
their horses, but art is not as important to them. This is why I have my shows.”
Perhaps that will change. In the
mean time you can see more of Gisela’s work on her website. Don’t miss her next
art show in March.
http://www.artbygisela.com
