2025
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Why do I create?published: 07/Dec/2024

Why am I an artist?

I am an image bearer of my Father. He is the original Creator, the ultimate Artist, and I cannot help but be like Him. When I look at the world around me, I see beauty waiting to be celebrated, and art is my way of honoring His creation.

When I observe nature, I feel an urge to simplify the images I see so they can make sense to me. Color and form are essential elements in this process. I aim to distill what I see into its basic essence — to capture the soul of a scene or subject. This is not always easy. Time is fleeting, pulling me in different directions, and I constantly battle the inherent laziness within us all, the tendency to seek the path of least resistance. Yet, it is in the struggle where real growth and meaningful creation lie.

Through my art, I want to draw attention to the beauty that God has created. Beauty is not hidden; it surrounds us, often in the smallest details of life — the curve of a leaf, the interplay of light and shadow, the quiet resilience of nature. My role as an artist is to help others see and appreciate it, to pause amidst the rush of life and marvel at what God has made.

One series particularly close to my heart is Botanical Symphony in the Key of Fynbos. This work reflects my love for the intricate, diverse, and resilient fynbos ecosystem. It’s a harmony of strength and delicacy, a perfect example of God’s artistry and creativity. Translating this beauty onto canvas challenges me to focus on its essence while inviting others to share in its wonder.

So, why do I create? I create because art is more than just a personal pursuit. It’s a calling to connect — with God, with nature, and with others. It’s my way of highlighting His handiwork, distilling the beauty of creation into something tangible and meaningful.