Artist Gavin Ross Erwin

“My name is Gavin Ross Erwin and I am 30 years old. I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our beautiful country and exceptional weather meant I was exposed to the outdoors from an early age. I spent many weekends and holidays camping with my parents and brothers. I became obsessed with fish and fishing as soon as I could hold a rod. I started tying my own flies when I was about six years old, using hair I cut from our pet dog. She wasn’t very happy with her numerous bald patches.

When I matriculated I decided there was nothing I would like better than making a career out of my two favourite hobbies, fish and art. During the past 8 years my painting skills have become better and better and I now make a fairly decent living as a professional artist.

In the words of our ex president Thabo Mbeki: ‘I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons … I know that none dare challenge me when I say I am an African.’”