b. 1973
My Path .........

Born in the Netherlands, I spent most of my childhood joyfully playing in the unspoiled outdoors of South Africa. My creative journey was shaped by the warm valleys and spirit of the Cape Winelands, particularly in Paarl and later Stellenbosch, where I earned a bachelor's degree in visual arts and education from Stellenbosch University.

My work spans across multiple mediums, yet my passion and primary focus remain on painting. At the heart of my creations lies the personal richness of my life experiences, which serve as the wellspring from which I draw my inspiration. I follow an inner spark of energy, infusing the canvas with emotions and thoughts that flow from within. My goal is to capture a vibrant sense of light, and movement in each piece, serving as a unique and deeply personal reflection. Sometimes the process is messy. Sometimes it's raw. Sometimes it's calm and transformative.

This philosophy is rooted in my upbringing and deep connection to nature. My late father was a floriculturist by trade, nurturing flowers and plants on our farm, which contributed to making nature an integral, joyful part of our 8 children's daily lives. I have a profound appreciation for the outdoors, and I express this connection through my art, particularly in my expressive gestural mark-making techniques when painting florals.  The ever-present flow and cycles of nature, the movement, rhythms, light, and patterns, serve as a constant source of inspiration for my work. I'm drawn to outdoor adventures that include water and the ocean. There's something about the wild, chaotic beauty combined with a peaceful order that just captivates me. You'll often find me paddling on my kayak, absorbing the nature at Rietvlei Dam,  the world's largest nature reserve within an urban area. Whether I'm by the shore or strolling along a nature trail, I enjoy soaking up every bit of beauty around me.

I'm genuinely humbled by the recognition and awards my work has received in painting, photography, and mixed media art. It's been a heartening journey, with over 2,500 pieces finding new homes.  I feel fortunate to have had my work published, collected, and exhibited both locally and abroad, with some pieces even finding their way into esteemed collections like Rand Merchant Private Bank's. It's been an unexpected and gratifying experience, and I'm thankful for every opportunity that has come my way.

After marrying Johan-Paul, we settled in Irene, Gauteng. Initially,the plan was to stay for a few years, but life had other plans. Fast forward 24 years, and after raising our five amazing boys and a bunch of chickens—you guessed it—we're still here.

While my heart beats for art, I've also found an equally exciting and rewarding adventure in teaching art. Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of both teaching full-time and part-time and I have been teaching visual and digital media arts with students at an international school for the past 8 years. In between teaching, I take pleasure in creating and spending time nestled in my studio, where I find solace and joy in the act of creation. It's a space where time seems to slow down.

Find out more about Louise Breugem's  gallery representation & Exhibitions