Which artists, books or music have inspired your work?
I’ve always been deeply inspired by the Impressionists, artists like Van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, Degas, and Monet, whose use of light, movement, and colour resonates strongly with me. I also admire South African artists such as Michael Taylor, Kirsten Sims, and Andrew Sutherland, whose work feels fresh and rooted in a sense of place.
Before my corporate career, I was a professional musician, and music has always been a central influence in my life. I think that rhythm, energy, and emotion have found their way into my paintings in a different form. I love the classics of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones are favourites, but nothing quite compares to South African rock ’n roll. I’m a huge fan of Johnny Clegg and Mango Groove, and that spirit of joy and movement definitely filters into my work.
Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Maggie Laubser. I’ve always loved her expressionist style, her free and extreme use of colour, and her loose way of working. There was a sense of naivety and honesty in her paintings that I admire deeply.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
Almond Blossoms by Vincent Van Gogh.
Pick three artists who you would be honored to exhibit with – and why?
I would be honoured to exhibit alongside:
? Michael Taylor, for his playful, vivid approach and unique visual language.
? Kirsten Sims, whose work feels both narrative and instinctive, a quality I feel I can connect with easily.
? Marlene Steyn, for her dreamlike, surreal use of colour and storytelling, her work feels both strange and familiar in a way that’s really compelling.
How did you get started? Did you always want to be an artist?
I started in 2023 after a health diagnosis. I was stuck in corporate for many years before that, and I don’t know if I ever would have had the opportunity to step away if I hadn’t been forced to re-evaluate everything. My illness, in an unexpected way, gave me the courage to take a leap of faith. I’d painted with my mother for fun growing up, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would paint full time. I still pinch myself every day.
What are some of the key themes you explore in your work?
Movement and light are at the heart of my work, whether it’s birds in flight, the shifting surface of water, or the energy of loose, expressive brushwork. I’m also drawn to the rhythms of nature, from trees and animals to the way seasons and landscapes change. A sense of playfulness and whimsy often runs through my paintings. I love the physicality of paint itself, the texture and tactility of thick brushstrokes and layered surfaces - and I use colour as a way to carry emotion, leaning into bold, joyful, and sometimes unexpected palettes to set the mood.
What should people know about your art that they can’t tell from looking at it?
That it has been a form of healing and freedom for me. Each painting is a little celebration of having reclaimed my time and creativity.
What are the most essential items in your studio and why?
My water spray bottle, it transforms acrylic paint into something more unpredictable and alive, perfect for creating textures and interesting backgrounds.
My paint tube rolling squeezer thingamajig that gets all my paint out of the tube.
Tell us more about your creative process.
I tend to work quite intuitively, almost like I’m shooting from the hip. My paintings often start from an instant feeling or spark of inspiration. I build layers quickly, experimenting, and I enjoy letting accidents and looseness guide the final piece.
Do you believe an artist should use their platform to influence society? Why?
I think artists, like musicians, have a unique opportunity to spread positive messages through their work. Art can create awareness, represent powerful ideas, and make people respond in ways that are often unexpected and profound.
Do you have a favourite or most meaningful work?
It’s hard to choose, but I’d probably say my Birds in Flight paintings. That series has been a constant source of joy and exploration for me, I find myself returning to it again and again. It feels playful and free, but also like the beginning of something important in my practice, a thread that keeps evolving.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
I’m still new in the game, but my biggest achievement has been the support I’ve received. People from all over the country have bought my work and sent me the most generous feedback. I never imagined anyone beyond my immediate family would want to hang my paintings in their homes and actually pay for them!
What are your aspirations for the future?
To keep growing as an artist, to feature in more exhibitions and shows, and to continue finding homes to host my little artworks. I’d love to keep pushing myself creatively and see where it all leads.
