POLOKWANE – Limpopo is well known for its wildlife and hunting tourism, with visitors often travelling to farms in the province in search of game.

Trophy hunters typically keep only the animal’s head for mounting, while others hunt for meat, leaving skulls and horns unused or discarded.

Against this backdrop, 18-year-old McKaylin Stoltz has found a unique artistic niche.

‘Born with a paintbrush in my hand’

Stoltz says she was “practically born with a paintbrush in her hand” and began exploring new creative techniques shortly before her final exams in 2025, when she experimented with an engraver.

“I started painting on canvas, and when my mom bought the engraver, I decided to test it. Soon after, I got the opportunity to paint on skulls.”

Inspired by wildlife

Her work is largely inspired by wildlife, with most of her pieces reflecting animals found in nature.

Her first slate serving tray featured zebras and was gifted to her mother, while her second depicted the Big Five and was given to her father.

She describes her art as completely handmade and unique, noting that no two brushstrokes are ever the same.

Where the skulls come from

Stoltz sources skulls from suppliers who provide them when clients are not interested in keeping them.

Her interest in skull art was sparked after her mother purchased a decorated skull from artist Chantel de Jager in Namibia, inspiring the family to explore the idea locally.

With tourism in Limpopo bringing in many potential clients, they saw an opportunity for a growing niche market.

From skulls to flasks

“I also do painting on flasks after a man at one of the markets asked me to try it. I cannot engrave the bottles, so everything is painted by hand.

“It takes me about a month to finish one flask and two to three weeks to complete a skull. I work from the time I wake up in the morning until about 4:00 PM.”

Materials and subjects

Stoltz uses:

• Acrylic paint for skulls and bottles
• Oil paint for canvas work

Her portfolio also includes paintings of dogs, cats, birds, mice, shoes and slate slabs.

One project at a time

She says she focuses on one project at a time to ensure quality and detail, and all completed pieces are sealed for protection.

While she enjoys painting animals, she admits that people are more challenging. Her realistic style often gives the impression of being in the wild alongside the animals she depicts.

Future plans

Despite her growing workload, Stoltz is saving for further studies and hopes to pursue a career in animation.