Belakane - African Queen Print

Independent multidisciplinary artist & designer since 2000. Working both traditionally and digitally, my creative style and approach is an eclectic combination & fusion - of texture rich contemporary abstracts, collage and modern. Capetonian born and bred wild child (with one of her own now too) - that's me, nice to "meet" you! A high school dropout and general lost cause on a recreational road to nowhere good, I turned my journey and life around at the age of 15 with the decision to study graphic design out of sheer desperation to leave the school system. That marked the beginning of an almost 23 year career – 20 of those spent as a hands on, five star business owner in the design and print field. From magazine publication, editorial, marketing, management and layout through to brand design, desktop publishing, product and package design and an array of below the line promotional media. It was an incredible journey which taught me much about business, people, my creative skills and life in general. In 2017, I made the decision to leave it all and pursue a somewhat simpler lifestyle. One not bound daily by high pressured briefs and deadlines – one which affords me the opportunity to explore more freedom in my creative passions, whilst simultaneously getting to enjoy the smaller moments of every day as an individual and as a mother. I dabble in all sorts of creative expression and each is an integral part of my personal growth journey. Coming from a family of artists, I have always found that expressing myself creatively came most naturally - whether it was drawing, painting, playing piano, cooking or gardening. I found my career in the more formal facets of this, but my passion has always resided in uninhibited creative exploration. My late mom was an artist and art teacher as well as my greatest mentor. I was blessed to learn through her, just how incredibly transformational and healing the escape of art can be. I have found that in moments where I feel the urge to express an emotion or cherish a moment in time– art has become an incredibly powerful tool. All of my pieces hold strong symbolism to me, which I take great pleasure in sharing with all of you... but I am also a strong believer in the fact that the “viewer” should be allowed the space for their own personal emotional reaction or interpretation - art, like music or any other creative expression is after all, a universal language.