Salt Rock’s family of creatives turn hobbies into livelihoods

From large scale murals to painted surfboards, woodworking and writing, the Van der Wal’s are a family of creatives.

Friso (42), Karien (43) and their children, Kieron (18) and Kezma (16) are a Salt Rock family who have all found their niche within creative pursuits.

For Friso, it has been a lifelong passion, from scribbling on school walls in Middelburg to working as a full-time airbrush muralist.

You may have seen his eye-catching work at a number of North Coast restaurants, including Fiamma Grill.

“I was a naughty kid, constantly doodling and leaving my mark around. When I got a little bit older, I realised that I could channel that into something positive. Now if the paint sticks, I will paint it,” said Friso.

For Karien, it was never really a career path she had considered.

Working primarily as a personal trainer – she was also a South African bodybuilder – Karien just picked up a brush during lockdown.

She doodled on an old surfboard, making a piece of art for her daughter’s room.

“I posted it on Facebook and then I suddenly had lots of friends calling to ask if I could make them one! From a few doodles, suddenly I had this whole list of orders,” she said.

To get them ready, Karien enlists the whole family with Kieron cutting wood to make the surfboard shape and Friso sanding it down.

Kezma provided the inspiration for the name of her new pursuit, Ailyak Art, a Bulgarian phrase which translates as “the art of not rushing things”.

It fits the theme of her boards, often painted with animals and nature settings, all dependent on what the client wants.

Karien uses a paint pen, which is easier to draw fine lines with, while also drying quicker than normal paint.

The boards typically cost between R4 000 and R6 000 depending on size.

She is taking orders, but return times are currently dependent on demand and the level of help she gets from her family.

“Kieron is leaving home next year, so I recently realised that I am going to be the one cutting the boards!” laughed Friso.

When not satisfying their imaginations, you can find the Van der Wal’s gathered around their homemade chessboard, a gift from Kieron for Father’s Day this year.

In a time of social media and instant gratification, perhaps not rushing things too much and trying to be a Renaissance version of yourself could be refreshing.

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