I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Zaan Claassens, a talented artist living in Halfmoon Bay, whose paintings have transformed the way I perceive water. Prior to discovering Zaan’s art, I viewed water as a single entity. However, her unique perspective has shown me the multitude of colors and textures that exist within this natural element. There is something undeniably magical about taking a moment to truly witness the complex beauty of the world around us.
Originally from South Africa, Zaan traveled extensively before settling in Halfmoon Bay with her partner in 2019. Their charming home, situated on a corner lot surrounded by lush trees, stunning gardens, and a quaint white picket fence, includes Zaan’s art studio. This light-filled space serves as the perfect environment for her artistic creations. Her paintings adorn the walls, while her bronze sculptures are proudly displayed on the shelves. Zaan is a regular participant in local Art Crawls, humbly acknowledging her talent and expressing gratitude that others find joy and connection in her artwork.
Curious to understand the inspiration behind her focus on water, I asked Zaan why she chose this subject matter. With a warm smile, she shared that she has always loved swimming and gazing into bodies of water. Zaan translates these experiences into her paintings, finding solace in the act of creation itself. Art, for her, is healing, acting as a lifeline that allows her to navigate and make sense of the world. In our fast-paced, often chaotic lives, the therapeutic nature of art can never be underestimated, especially when nature serves as the muse. Its vibrant colors and intricate patterns have captivated artists for centuries.
Recently, Zaan embarked on a project called “Start With Art,” inviting individuals from around the world to participate in an online survey. The survey seeks to explore the barriers that prevent people from embracing their own creativity. Zaan’s goal is to motivate others to tap into their creative potential and experience the transformative power of art as she has. Much like meditation, painting can provide solace, self-discovery, and personal growth. The survey has received responses from creatives residing in various locations, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ontario, New York, Barbados, and the Sunshine Coast. Zaan plans to select one person to receive a one-hour, one-on-one Zoom session tailored to their artistic aspirations, serving as the perfect starting point for their creative journey.
Curious to learn about Zaan’s future plans, I inquired about what’s on the horizon for her. She expressed her desire to expand beyond the one-on-one sessions and develop offerings that cater to budding artists and those looking to rediscover their creative spark. Zaan believes that everyone’s unique perspective is invaluable when it comes to shaping sessions that can truly connect and inspire future students. She invites individuals to join her on this transformative creative journey, one brushstroke at a time.
If you’re interested in participating in the “Start With Art” survey or connecting with Zaan, you can find the survey at docs.google.com/forms/d/1e8kkhSuTq3LFOn0mlzkgveOFgIzLQRz4a2iEfHLQz8s/viewform. You can also visit Zaan’s website at www.zaan.art or reach out to her via email at [email protected].
Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any community events or stories you’d like to share.
Leave a Reply