Meet the Artist - Jumarie From the Heart

Meet The Artist

I truly believe God created each one of us with great potential, talents and passion. I was born in the beautiful Overberg where I learned from a very young age to appreciate the simplicity and colours of nature.

I completed my studies in Tourism in Stellenbosch and moved on to the corporate world where I worked as a Project Manager. This 9 to 5 job afforded me the chance to pursue my art dreams by completing formal art training at Bellville Art Centre and thereafter do training under very well-known artists like Dale & Mel Elliott and Rene Snyman.

Magic struck in 2010 when I married my wonderful husband Ben du Toit and short after welcomed our 2 beautiful children (Wanja and Bennett). Since 2013 my family and I are living in Namibia with its wide and arid landscapes.

By 2011 the demand for my paintings took off to such an extent that I could exclusively focus on fine art paintings for a living and so God’s path for my life became clear.

My first successful solo art exhibition was held in the Northern Cape which then opened doors to top galleries across South Africa such as Lindy van Niekert art Gallery, Dante Art, Bouquet Café and Korze Art Gallery to name but a view.

Tragedy hit in 2020 when I sustained severe damage to 2 of my fingers on my right hand after an accident while making canvases. Due to the continuous support and prayer of my many friends and loved ones God was great and restored the use of my hands so that I am once again painting at full capacity. To Him all the glory and honor.

I am drawn to subjects through subtle lighting effects and I am inspired by beautiful pottery bowls filled with fruit. Silver-, gold- and bronze vases, Delft, flowers and birds. Mostly subjects with strong color effects, shapes, and form. It is such a privilege that I get to share the beauty that I see around me on canvas.

I end by quoting one of the greats:
“Color in a picture is like enthusiasm in life” (Vincent van Gogh)