We were lucky to catch up with Marleen Van Aardt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marleen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Yes, I can honestly say that I am happy. I started out my adult life as a food scientist, although I have always been involved in some creative pursuit. After a few years in academia, I started Meki Couture, a couture bridal gown business, where I designed and created bespoke bridal gowns. I enjoyed working from my home studio, but missed being challenged mentally. So, when the opportunity arose to join a cutting edge research team, I couldn’t resist. Today I find myself happily splitting my time between science (R&D) and art (oil painting). I cannot wait to see where both roads lead me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an artist, who loves to paint outdoors (en plein air). My creativity and passion for beauty arose from a sun-soaked childhood under the African skies where the warm Indian and icy Atlantic oceans meet. My desire to understand the world in detail led to my studies in organic chemistry and food science. I approach art with an equal measure of a scientist’s eye and an artist’s passion. My creativity is fluid, whether painting, designing bespoke wedding gowns, building custom tree houses, creating harmonious garden landscapes, or designing complex research projects. I am a self-taught artist, spending countless hours learning about the foundations of color, value, composition, and perception. My love of nature inspired a passion for plein air painting. Capturing the essence of the living world as the sunlight shifts and the shadows deepen is a challenge I especially enjoy. I am eager to grow as artist and values artistic challenges as an opportunity to improve.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, I am mid-life. I have already had a successful science career, and do not have to support myself through my art. This leaves me in the fortunate position to be able to donate and thereby blessing others with my paintings. Nothing gives me more satisfaction to be painting outdoors, meeting a stranger who connects with the painting, and then to give it away to the bystander who does not necessarily have the luxury of purchasing art. Although I sell many paintings, and there is a reward to that, my greatest joy comes from blessing others with free art.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have had to pivot a few times in live. I look back at those times and realize that in closing a door behind me I had to enter through a new one. The process of creating a new painting is very similar to starting a new career. They both require a fresh eye and mind. When our children were young I wanted to be home with them, so I excited the science world and started a small business, Meki Couture, where I designed and made custom wedding dresses from my home studio. This allowed me the flexibility to be home with our kids while they were young. When the kids were off to middle and high school, I started missing company and mental stimulation. At that time the perfect (for me) food science job crossed my path and I was back in the lab. My passion for oil painting grew and doing a “painting-per-week” became a challenge that has only paid off. If I can encourage any artist with one thing, it would be to practice your art regularly. Today I enjoy the stimulation and creativity that comes from splitting my time between science and painting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marleenvanaardt.com
- Instagram: marleen_van_aardt