Marietjie Henning's Page

My Role

Visual Artist, Craft Artist, Artist, Arts Lover, Arts Institution

My Discipline(s)

Theater, Visual Arts, Crafts

About Me And My Work

“The Sisterhood Theme”

Marietjie has been living in the Lowveld for the last 25 years. Although she has never had formal training, she has always felt a passion for art and did her first oil painting at the age of 50.

The themes of her paintings have changed with the emotional ups and downs of her personal life. She used to start out with dark and sombre colours but recently her work represents rich and warm colours.

One of the themes she dotes on is a family of women, complete with the “Gogo” (grandmother and her daughters), Sisters and children and Sisterhood. All tall, mystery figures in a misty, dawn background.
The idea to paint these figures, arose when she had to pick up a friend one morning very early before sunrise at a station. The train was late and she had to spend some time in her little car, huddling against the cold and mist. She noticed the many women who appeared from nowhere to pack out their stalls to prepare for the day’s trade.
“I felt a coherence with them, a part of their Sisterhood. They were shadow figures who carried children and belongings to the streets to make a living out of selling goods that commuters would buy. I realized what strength we women have in common, to be brave and to face the world out there in spite of our circumstances at home. To confront our sorrows and be positive and brave to be able to give our best to our children and the world around us,” she says.
That is how her love for the Sisterhood theme developed and she started to experiment with bright and soulful colours. Marietjie’s work have been exhibited at various Art Festivals all around the country as well as the 2010 Art Exhibition during the 2010 World Soccer Games, and her work have been sold as far as Sweden, Italy, Mocambique Germany, Mauritius, United Kingdom, America and many other countries.
“As I have never had the opportunity to study art or had any form of training in the art of painting, I thank the Lord for giving me a talent that makes me both humble and human.”

From 6 June 2009 until 3 July 2009, Marietjie’s work was exhibited at the ArtNot Terminal Gallery in Seattle America where one of her paintings was sold to the Patron of Art of Seattle.
Competitions:
Marietjie won the Africa Contest on Fineartamerica on 2 August 2010.
She got the second award on Fineartamerica Contest for the theme “Best Mixed Medium” in October 2010.
She came under the first 10 top finishers in the contest with the theme “Colours”

Artistic Experiences I Have Had On My Travels

I have never had the opportunity to travel, but had great experiences through internet competitions and the wonderful opportunity to have been able to sent my work to Seatle America at the Art Not Gallery.

Places I Would Like To Visit

Paris

Art Forms And Cultures I Would Like To Engage With

I would love to one day be able to be a full time artist with my own little gallery and teach women going through difficult times in their lives to use their creative talents, which I believe all of us have!!

My Creative Influences & Favorite Artists

There are so many, but of course my favourate is Van Gogh

My Web link

http://marietjie-henning@artistswebsites.com