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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - “See how it runs.” This is an apt way to describe artist Maresna van Schoor’s works.
She does acrylic paint pouring.
It is more complicated, but in simple terms, it’s pouring runny paint on to a canvas and moving the canvas to see how the different colours spread, mix and produce an exciting, unpredictable image.
There is the element of chance, which makes every artwork unique and a surprise.
See a gallery of photos here: Inspiring experimentation
Van Schoor also does resin artworks, sometimes using sand. Her beach and seascapes are fresh and delightful. They really “smack of the sea” in a tactile, immediate way.
It is clear, her living in the seaside village of Reebok, east of Mossel Bay, has an impact on Van Schoor.
Self-taught artist
She says: “I am a self-taught artist and enjoy experimenting with different genres and mediums.
"I create my art pieces mainly on canvas and wooden board. My style varies between abstract and contemporary art.”
She also does ceramics and creates jewellery.
“My love of art started in the form of photography while living in Sunset Beach, Cape Town.
“Our family moved to the Mossel Bay area in 2019 and during the Covid pandemic I turned my focus to fluid acrylic art.
"Acrylic pouring is a lovely way for any beginner to create art.
See a video below:
“My own journey with acrylic pouring was one of healing. I have found that when I create art, I cannot focus on any anxiety or stress.
“Art has become like breathing to me. It is a necessary and integral part of my wellbeing.
"Inspired by social media, I started experimenting with acrylic pouring and later branched into resin, pottery, alcohol ink, oil, encaustic wax and other mediums.
"Encaustic wax art is an age-old method of painting that uses heated wax and damar resin.”
Freedom of expression
Van Schoor says: “I view my art as a journey. Each piece increases the size of my portfolio, while giving me more freedom of expression and joy during the creative process. Every artwork is a little piece of me.”
She worked with other Mossel Bay artists to host the Synergy art exhibition in the NG Moedergemeente Klipkerk in Church Street during the Mossel Bay Art Festival in 2023 and 2024.
More than 30 artists exhibited their works at each exhibition.
Van Schoor also helped establish the Mossel Bay Art Walk, which is a mapped route which includes local art studios and galleries, including Van Schoor’s. See https://mosselbayartwalk.co.za.
She gives workshops and art lessons.
Maresna van Schoor with her work, Dragon’s Breath.
