[PHOTOS] Indulging in a life of art
In a world of her own, local artist and restorer Jade Culhane tells about her passion she practices in Krugersdorp.
Jade Culhane is an artist.
She lives and breathes art and is passionate about creating beautiful things.
“It’s not me, my dear,” she would say. “It’s the gift the Lord has given me and I simply have an obligation to practice my talent.”
In her early 20th century home, Jade paints, plays piano, reads, frames, teaches and restores art. She is renowned among collectors for restoring statues. At the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Luipaard Street, numerous statues she has restored tower over the congregation.
“I have restored 14 Stations of the Cross sculptures for the church. Each artwork‘s Mary had to wear the same blue dress, so I was running around the house littered with these sculptures and making sure every Mary looks the same on every sculpture,” Jade laughed.
The sculptures, made of cement, are from Belgium and over 500 years old.
Jade meticulously paints, re-sculpts and re-visualises old masterpieces and tries to restore not only the physical artwork, but also its former glory.
“I just love beautiful things and surrounding myself with it,” she said.
Jade’s home was also featured in Garden and Home magazine a few years ago. Every room has a theme, like her Moroccan television room with deep purple walls and heavy linen lamps that create a dark but creative atmosphere.
Jade now also focuses on teaching art even though she never completed a tertiary qualification in visual arts. She taught Marsha Steyn, a local artists who also recently started teaching after completing her degree. Marsha said Jade was like a mother to her and she truly helped her develop as an artists.
“I believe I am a good teacher because I taught myself,” she said. With God first in her life, Jade believes He has led her to this path and “as a humble servant, I will follow”.
Jade teaches at her home in Premier Street in Krugersdorp North. If you would like more information about her creations, contact her on 011 665 2921.
For more photos of Jade’s home, click here.
Related articles:
• [PHOTOS] A boy called Veronika
• [PHOTOS] Bastion se kunstenaars spog by uitstalling
• Kuns was altyd deel van Marsha
