Kaleidoscopic Z Painting

I was born in Lansdowne, a small suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, in June 1959. The surprise fifth baby to a household who had settled into nine years of peace and quiet, I was a force to be reckoned with - but loved enormously, overindulged and put on a pedestal by my older siblings. A bossy, stubborn, uncompromising little terror was the result. Life changed when my siblings left home and I was raised by my mother. As a single parent she was very strict, unshakable and proud with high standards of integrity. This led to some passive rebellion on my part and people in authority still annoy me. Although the desire to draw, paint and create was evident as a young child, it was not encouraged and I was always on the fringe. The road led me to nursing, administration and finally to accommodation hospitality where I thrived as people person. A move away from the city of Cape Town to the Garden Route on the east coast of the Western Cape was an opportunity to embrace a new culture and way of life; relaxed, esoteric, peaceful, chilled in a breath-taking biosphere. Here, one spring day, I met Lynda Jacobsen Murison, a well-known artist living in my town of Great Brak River. Lynda encouraged me to explore my creative yearnings under her tutelage. My journey is about letting go, exploring undisciplined avenues, experimenting with different styles, thinking out of the box and pursuing my zest. At first acrylics was my preferred medium but I have gravitated to oils, and sometimes foil, on either canvas or panel. Much as I admire other artist’s work and probably steal with my eyes, as we all do, I remain true to my own style. Painting transports me to an introspective space where my surroundings are consigned to oblivion. Art enriches me, awakens me, nurtures me, leads me to uncharted journeys, excites me and fills me with passion. Thanks for sharing my story.