“When I paint, my spirit can fly high, and I feel I can achieve the seemingly impossible.”
These are the words of Zofia Szafranski, who is one of the Benoni Art Route members. The 60-year-old started painting in 2013 when she decided to take up a new hobby.
“When I turned 50 years old, a friend of mine asked why I don’t paint and that reminded me of my artistic flair from my schooling days, soon after I attended a number of art classes,” said Zofia.
“I started by painting flowers, especially roses, lilies and tulips, which I have huge admiration for.”
The mother of two was born in Krakow, Poland. During the course of her life, she has lived and worked in Vienna, Austria, and New York, USA, before returning to South Africa and settling down in Benoni in 2002.
Through this process, she discovered a previously hidden talent and a deep-set passion for art and for the sense of accomplishment that comes with bringing pictures to life on a canvas.
She said she started painting landscapes, mostly European ones and Poland. With time, Zofia’s art changed and she is now engaging in modern art pieces and abstracts with radiant colours.
She believes she’s continuously learning and love spending time on YouTube, watching all the international artists giving their own version of paintings and techniques.
Benoni Art Route is open to all individuals who have a passion for creativity in all drawing and painting disciplines, as well as sculpture.
The Benoni Art Route is held every last Sunday of the month. However, due to the pandemic, it has been placed on hold until further notice.
For more information on how to join contact Alice Muller on 082 578 7234 or at benoniartroute.ali@gmail.com or visit their website (www.benoniartroute.co.za).
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