I have always had a passion for art and creating things with my hands, nurtured by my father who was a scenic oil painter in his free time and my mother who is an avid hobbyist. Although I initially wanted to study art after my Matriculation from school, at the time there was little opportunity to earn a sustainable living through art within South Africa. For this reason, when offered a scholarship to train as an elementary teacher with art as my specialization, I decided that this would enable me to utilize my artistic skills.
Despite my love for creating artworks, after qualifying as an art teacher, I put the development of my personal art on hold. This was partly due to some unresolved pain caused by abrasive critiques during my art training. One of the main critiques was that my work was too conventional and safe - I needed to 'climb out of the box'. At the time, I had no idea how to 'climb out of the box'. Instead, after graduation, I released my creativity through teaching art and music in the various schools where I taught internationally.
Over twelve years ago, I gingerly decided it was time to deal with my unresolved hurts and to embark on studying towards a BA (Hons) Creative Arts Degree with the Open College of Arts, UK. Studying virtually has been challenging - especially when moving continents and repeatedly needing to cut back on art supplies. However, my husband and tutors have been incredibly supportive, and despite the struggles I am now in my final course. Slowly but surely, I have explored the world beyond my 'box'. Appropriately, many of my current artworks use cardboard boxes as their main supports - a way for me to create sustainable artworks, using what is readily available to me. My current artwork is an honest reflection of the challenges and losses one experiences as an expatriate, moving from country to country. I would like to say that the process of relocation gets easier with experience, but that is not the case. With each country, comes the chance to make deep and memorable relationships, and to become changed by the cultures that you interact with. When you leave, it is as if you have been severely pruned and the regrowth of hope and relationships within your new country take time to develop. When you stay, but others leave, a piece of you seems to splinter off.
As a result of my personal involvement in expatriate communities, I believe that I have a unique perspective on the world. From non-traditional drawings, prints, bricolage wall pieces and installations, each piece of mine tells a story and invites viewers to explore their own emotions and processes of dealing with loss. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a lover of sustainability, or simply someone who appreciates beauty in unexpected places, my hope is that my artistic journey will inspire you to process your pain and to find hope despite your losses. Join me as I discover how to create art beyond the 'box'.
Enjoyed reading the background to how you climbed out of the 'box'. Particularly of interest to me, who has had to grow with you as I actually liked your original IN the box artwork!