Candy Shores II Print

I'm a Graphic Designer by profession, but my passion extends to all forms of creativity and art. Creativity has been a constant companion throughout my life, stemming from a family lineage of artists who have skillfully used various tools and mediums. My grandfather's mastery of wood carvings and my mother's talent as a graphic artist have greatly influenced and inspired me. I graduated with distinction from Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, majoring in Graphic Design. Over the course of 20 years, I have worked in top brand agencies and more recently as a freelance designer, honing my design skills and exploring different avenues of artistic expression. My design background spills over into my art. I love using different layers of mediums, vibrant colors, strong shapes, and dramatic compositions to convey emotions and capture a sense of time and place. In recent years, painting has become a way for me to find inspiration and joy in a world that can often feel filled with despair and gloom. It's a cathartic process that helps me appreciate the exquisite details often overlooked in everyday life — the fleeting moments of light and unexpected bursts of colors – the everyday ‘jewels’ that exist within our surroundings. This has become my antidote to the prevalent negativity we encounter today. Nature is my greatest source of inspiration. The ever-changing quality of light, the colors shifting with the seasons, and the subtle drama it holds captivate me endlessly. The vastness of nature naturally captivates us. Its expansiveness, depth, and rawness remind us of our place in the Universe and our interconnectedness with everything around us. It helps us put our problems into perspective, let go of control, and find solace by taking a moment to appreciate the grandeur of Creation. It brings us back to our fragility and vulnerability, allowing us to see the bigger picture. When I create art, my goal is not to simply recreate a scene or moment, but to capture the essence of what I've experienced — to exaggerate colors, tones, and proportions in a way that reflects how my soul perceives its raw, unfiltered beauty. My faith plays a significant role in my life, and I see God as the Ultimate artist, whose hand and heart can be seen in everything around us. As an artist, I feel compelled to capture what I feel and see, using my talent as a way to bring glory to Him.