Brushes with destiny: Natalie Deeb’s journey from teen artist to Ballito’s beloved creative force
Deeb relocated to Ballito in 2011 to work full-time as an artist.
Selling her first painting at the age of 17 kindled what would become a lifelong passion for Ballito artist Natalie Deeb.
The now 48-year-old first discovered her artistic talent in Grade 4 when an ordinary bird painting, part of a school task, was named the best in class by her teacher.
This motivated her to pursue art in high school. She eventually scooped Port Shepstone High’s matric arts award, selling her first paintings to the then Margate mayor Dennis Cominos and the Marget Museum.
“We had an exhibition of the year’s work displayed in the school hall and the response served as further inspiration,” recalled Deeb.
Life experiences and past trauma have influenced her work, but while picking up the brush is as easy as breathing for her, she admits the determination to create the perfect result by getting the right message onto the canvas is often a struggle.
“I want to entice people with the emotion and the story rather than the attractiveness or ‘decor’ aspect of a painting.”
She worked for an advertising agency in Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg before ditching her career after 16 years in the game. She relocated to Ballito in 2011 and began working as a full-time artist.
”The world of art requires a full-time submersion.”
She creates art with a ”contemporary twist” in which colours are exaggerated, delivering a comforting and dreamy escape for art enthusiasts.
From surf art, seascapes, wildlife and portraits, Deebs is an all-rounder.
The Cape Town Technikon graphic design graduate has exhibited, ran demonstrations, facilitated workshops and shared stages with other like-minded artists during her career.
“Hosting art classes is fulfilling and helps me with my own growth. I occasionally exhibit at The Gallery in the Lifestyle Centre with other exceptionally good artists,” she said.
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