One of Samantha Jordaan’s paintings depicting the feather-duster sellers of Oudtshoorn. Photo supplied
By Ilze-Mari Gründling
OUDTSHOORN’S feather duster sellers are the subjects of an exhibition by artist Samantha Jordaan to be seen during this week’s Klein Karoo Klassique.
“Our family moved to Oudtshoorn three years ago and I wanted to find a way to connect with the town. So every day I sat across the street from the CP Nel Museum and sketched these ladies. I painted them in a drive-by style, so that if you look at the painting, it is as if you’re walking or driving past them.”
Samantha, originally from Pretoria, has no formal training in painting and is completely self-taught. “I wanted to study art, but never got around to it. I wake up every day and just start painting. It’s been my passion ever since I was born; I just can’t help myself!”
Her paintings are dramatic and colourful.
Samantha is studying art therapy through the Art Therapy Academy in Cape Town. “I offer classes in art therapy to people who went through troubled times and need to heal as well as to people who struggle and don’t have other means to express themselves. Through my art and classes I hope to make life richer. Most of my paintings depict someone reaching – reaching for more, wondering about what to add to life that will make it better.”
Samantha also coaches serious art students and teaches just-for-fun art classes.
• Visit her exhibition at Omba Art Gallery in Baron van Reede Street (Queen’s Hotel Complex).