Rayton artist, Christelle Swart, makes functional art pieces

“You do not have to be an artist to create art. It is the will to get the materials together and the curiosity to try them out.”

This is according to professional contemporary artist from Rayton, Christelle Swart, whose art career has spanned more than 30 years.

Swart studied fine arts and over the years mastered a wealth of creative and technical skills.

She has been featured in magazines and newspapers such as De Kat, Habitat, Garden and Home and Beeld.

Swart also offered courses in painting techniques from 1993 to 1999 for Garden and Home magazine and Plascon Paints.

This highly acclaimed artist specialises in painting techniques, cement carved embossing and the design and creation of functional art and decor, to name but a few.

“When working on a project, I totally immerse myself and follow a holistic integrated approach because I realise that every single aspect is essential for the equilibrium of the artwork,” she said.

“Over the years and countless challenging artwork adventures, Swart has mastered enviable niche skills and with her passion for teaching and sharing, she is excited to tutor anyone wanting to learn and join the journey and in the great energy that has come to be known as the “Kollectief Creative Sanctuary”.

Diverse and often large and complex commissioned projects have taken her far and wide, all over South Africa as well as the United States and Australia.

The French Embassy in Pretoria commissioned Swart and a collaborative partner in 1993 for a series of paint techniques and artworks, including magnificent trompe l’oeil art deco style murals, as well as faux birds-eye maple panelling in their cigar lounge.

Some of her work can also be seen at Sun City’s The Lost City, Swakopmund Casino, Caesar’s Palace, Emperor’s Palace, the Michael Angelo Hotel and the SABC Conference Center.

You can follow her on Instagram @kollektiefcreativesanctuary to see what she will be up to next.

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