When I review my life, I find that it mimics my art. Essentially, the two are inseparable. They move and grow together. My essence is found, and influenced, by the expression. My purpose, and my art’s purpose, are the same; to create, to inspire, to beautify, to educate, and to bring hope. Through the twists and turns, the themes remain.
I was born with a love for art, so a degree in art (2003 BA Honours degree in Graphic Design and Illustration) allowed me to pursue my passion. A free spirit at heart, I travelled the world, exploring, and developing further inspiration. Inspired to teach, I went on to earn a Post Graduate Teaching degree through UNISA, and started an art school in 2012. In 2014, a partner and I founded Tone AM (http://www.tone.arts.music), where we create custom painted cajon crate drums, and up-cycle instruments into works of art. 2016 brought me to Cape Town, my current home, where I am a lecturer at Ruth Prowse School of Art in Illustration, Drawing, and Jewelry Design. Each experience has prepared me for the next, and all combine to make me the person and the artist I am today.
So today, I am a full-time artist, and creative consultant. I share my passion through all kinds of media. I have designed signage, chalk boards, graphic designs, and tattoos. I have covered canvases, walls, stadiums, and furniture. Painting murals is my latest love, giving me the opportunity to explore bigger spaces with new clients in new locations, pushing me to learn more, and giving me new experiences and inspiration to share. I would describe my art style much as I would describe myself; free-flowing, colorful, open, while at the same time structured, crisp, and planned.
To quote Picasso, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” I want my art, and my life, to bring creativity, inspiration, beauty, education, and hope. I am excited and challenged to participate with other artists in conveying this message to the next generation.
