Creative artist and Kenmare resident Bianca van Aswegen (28) hopes to use her art and faith to inspire young people and help restore dignity in the community.

After moving between homes in Krugersdorp and Roodepoort for several years, Bianca relocated to the Free State in 2021 while searching for direction in her life. It was there that she discovered her passion for art.

“Shortly after, I was strolling through a boeremark when I met an elderly man who painted donkeys and farm scenes. He was sitting under an umbrella to escape the sun. He was so excited that I was interested in his artwork that he jumped up and told me all about it,” she recalled.

At the time, Bianca said she was struggling financially, emotionally exhausted and on the brink of collapse. Yet the encounter gave her a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

Today, she hopes to pass that same hope, gratitude and joy on to children through future art classes and to others who attend her workshops. She already dedicates much of her time to teaching children.

“I like to impart my gratitude and joy into the children in our future classes and the individuals who’ll join my workshops and buy from my business,” she said.

In addition to creating art, Bianca volunteers with the community outreach organisation So Love Krugersdorp, where she found a network of like-minded people who share her passion for making a difference.

Bianca believes every person’s story carries weight and that one of life’s greatest blessings is being able to share it. She said art is part of the human experience in many different ways and that, through time and prayer, she found a place where her faith and creativity could come together.

“The artist in me exists to teach, celebrate and bring together people who are doing their best to put one foot in front of the other,” Bianca said.

Her goal is to create art that speaks for people who struggle to find the words to express themselves. Alongside creating artwork, she also gives music lessons and strives to empower children to find their voices.

“I hope that one day, my efforts will carry depth, hope and talent. I want to build a career with a music school that allows me to do exactly that. To use my opportunities in healing the children we host classes for and the people we tell stories about through art.”