b. 1973
My path and inspiration .........

Born in the Netherlands, I spent most of my childhood playing in the unspoiled outdoors of the South African countryside. The beauty of the Paarl and Stellenbosch valleys, nestled within the vibrant spirit of the Cape Winelands, served as the picturesque backdrop to my creative journey, 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, and 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 and joyful part of our daily lives among our eight siblings. I have a profound appreciation for the outdoors and 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 peaceful order that captivates me. You'll often find me paddling on my kayak, absorbing nature at Rietvlei Dam, the world's largest nature reserve within an urban area. Whether 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.

Teaching art has been another unexpected adventure, one that has brought me immense joy and fulfillment. Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of both teaching full-time and part-time. For the past 8 years, I've been teaching visual and digital media arts to students at an international school. Guiding students on their own creative journeys fills me with a sense of purpose that is so rewarding. In between teaching, I take pleasure in creating and spending time finding joy in my studio.

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