The Purpose of this Blog

Art has played an enormous role in my life. It has helped me through painful experiences, educated me on the world by challenging my opinions and inspired me to create and learn new things. Most importantly it has brought joy and happiness into my life. My hope with this blog is to help you find the art or artists that will do the same for you. That will help you through tough times, motivate you to keep pushing forward and help you see the light and beauty all around us.

What will you read about?

The articles available on the blog will alternate between the following three main categories:

  • Art & Artists' Tributes: Reviews or informative studies on different artists and their art.

  • Creative Recommendations: Shorter articles with recommendations lists of art and artists you can explore.

  • Creative Journal: Journal entries of my own creative projects and the art or artists that inspired them.

Art & Artists' Tributes Irene van Staden Art & Artists' Tributes Irene van Staden

Pearl of the Sea - A Graphic Novel

Pearl of the Sea (2023) is South Africa's very own sea monster story and Triggerfish Animation Studio's first attempt in the graphic novel industry. Written by Anthony Silverton and Raffaella Dell Done, it touches on social issues relevant to South Africa, but also raises universal questions of being vulnerable, forgiveness and who the real monsters are.

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Creative Journal Irene van Staden Creative Journal Irene van Staden

My creative journey

At the end of 2021, I came across a book titled “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. After removing the only copy from the bookshelf, I read the blurb and undecidedly clung to it as I continued browsing through the store. Originally I had the intent of giving it as a gift to my eldest sister. Not knowing that I would embark on the artist’s journey at the start of 2022.

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