Vendor Biography
Growing up on a farm in Bethal, the deep rooted beauty of nature became the bedrock of my creative identity. The vast South African landscapes and ever changing seasons continue to influence the colour palette and mood of my work, brought to life through the rich, buttery textures of oil paint. This medium allows me to reconnect with the freedom and spontaneity of my childhood, an energy that fuels my artistic expression.
Although my studies initially led me into the corporate world, a turning point came when I opened a framing business to spend more time with my family. This venture became an unexpected catalyst. Immersed daily in the creativity of other artists, my own desire to create was powerfully reignited. After attending various workshops and courses, I began the ongoing journey of developing my own voice on the canvas.
While landscapes rooted in my past remain a cornerstone of my work, my deep longing and nostalgia for farm life find a more personal and playful expression in my recent series of sheep portraits. Dressed in vintage clothes, suits, and wool jerseys, they are characters born from homesickness, celebrating a life I cherish.
This reflection on the past has broadened my focus. I find myself drawn to vintage themes, to the elegance of a slower time when people dressed with intention and lived with presence. As those around me age, this focus has also deepened my empathy, turning my gaze towards the quiet dignity of people and the rich stories etched in their faces. There are so many stories I wish to tell, so many ideas I long to explore.
My work has been featured in numerous group shows, including the Tina Skukan Gallery (2023) and Johan van Heerden’s Gallery (2024), alongside several self curated exhibitions in Pretoria. I have also held a solo exhibition on the outskirts of the city, and my work is currently available at The Showroom Art Gallery. I live in Pretoria with my family, who remain my constant witnesses and supporters in this relentless, wonderful creative pursuit.
This exhibition is a collection of the things my heart longs for: the rustle of wind through Highveld grass, the texture of a woollen jersey, and the grace of a life lived with purpose. I am grateful to share this journey with you and hope my art brings you as much joy in the viewing as it brought me in the making.
Christie du Toit