Karoo Faerie
Majestic mountains floating over the vast plains of the Karoo is my inspiration. I’m rooted in the bedrock of our family farm, Three Sisters, in the upper Karoo. The Breederiver Valley also resonates with me and Fynbos is a new interest. I feel more like a farmer than an artist, but I do like to depict the beautiful scenery of the Karoo and SA.
Generations has developed extensive gardens on our farm, similar to European parks and Giverny with touches of Japanese garden design. This was the fairy tale place I grew up in and I’m an avid gardener, especially of roses. Thus my favourite themes to paint are landscapes, plants and gardenscapes.
In 1994 I achieved, from the Technicon of the Freestate, a National Diploma in Fine Art, followed by a Higher Diploma in 1995. Since then I’ve studied copper & silver smithing, Celtic mythology and marketing. I’ve taken part in many group exhibitions, and do a solo every few years. I’m represented by galleries in the Karoo and Western Cape. My art is in collections across the globe, eg USA, Canada, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Macedonia, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia. I’ve been fortunate to travel widely and the influences of the UK country side, Scotland and European gardens can be seen in my art.
Acrylic paints are best suited to my style, but I use oil colour in the hottest summer months. I have been using watercolour since childhood and still enjoy this tricky, challenging medium. I also do miniature sculptures in polymer clay and fabric & garment dyeing.
My life is truly blessed as my husband is a hardworking honourable man, our 2 children are healthy and happy, we have a comfortable home with 1 spoiled dog, 5 cats and innumerable plants. Therefore my work is light-hearted, colourful and exuberant.