"Moya" Artwork

Gabrielle Matlock is a South African artist and arts educator whose work is deeply rooted in her relationship with the natural world, personal history, and the transformative power of art. Having spent her life in the Eastern Cape, Gabrielle draws constant inspiration from the region’s rich biodiversity, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Her art seeks to bring the beauty and wisdom of the outdoors into everyday spaces, nurturing mindfulness and a sense of connection with nature.
Gabrielle’s creative process is also informed by dreams and ancestral memory, particularly through recurring dreams of her late mother, Odette Allen, an artist who continues to guide her spiritually and creatively. This has led to the creation of her “Odette dolls,” intricate assemblages made from found objects such as driftwood, buttons, sea glass, and delicate drawings, symbols of memory, love, and legacy.

Together with her husband Richard, Gabrielle collects natural and discarded materials from their coastal walks and travels, turning their home into a treasure trove of forgotten stories. These objects, including bones, feathers, rusted tools, and relics, are integrated into collaborative artworks that speak to time, decay, and beauty in the overlooked.
A deep curiosity for oral traditions and global belief systems also shapes Gabrielle’s practice. She explores themes of mythology, medieval symbolism, spirituality, and superstition, asking how sacred narratives influence identity and community across cultures.

An advocate for the healing potential of the arts, Gabrielle is passionate about guiding learners and adults alike through creative processes that foster growth and self-discovery. Based in Seaview, Port Elizabeth, she currently serves as the Curriculum Lead for Visual and Creative Arts at Curro Holdings, and has taught IEB Visual Arts for nearly twenty years. She also leads community art projects and teaches privately.