SA artist to impart skills to Westville Girls’ High School learners

THE Westville Girls’ High School (WGHS) Art Department has had the pleasure of working with artist Marietjie Viljoen. The self-taught artist is known for the establishment of a pottery factory in Polokwane where she trained locals, and today, she runs a successful studio/gallery/home.

Viljoen is also known for her resilience in the belief of her dreams to become an artist.

“I am a self-taught artist, as my family could not imagine art as a career choice. Throughout my life, I had trouble with people about this, but I believed that I could do anything I wanted if I set my mind to it. I was born in 1955 as the first of three children.

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“Growing up, there were all these boxes that people tried to put me in, but luckily, I ditched most of them. I did the usual things like getting married, having children, etc. But through all that, I still found time to create,” she explained.

Viljoen said sharpening her artistic skill as a self-taught artist came in many ways. “My father gifted me my first pottery equipment in 1983. I lived in Aliwal North at the time, and there weren’t any pottery teachers around then. By trial and error, and with the Readers Digest’s book, Craft and Hobbies, I learned the basics of the potter’s wheel. I fell totally in love with clay, and for the next few years, I practised perfecting my skill and also learning about things that were not in the books that I had. Meanwhile, I also joined the town’s art club, headed by well-known painter Kobus Kotze. We had regular exhibitions, and I painted and did batik, but not pottery yet.”

The artist said she has been to different cities and provinces in the country in pursuit of her career, where she imparted her skills to upcoming artists and worked with other artists, as well.

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“After that, I toured the country for three years in a caravan and then settled in Parys, where I held several solo exhibitions with both pottery and paintings. Two years later, in 2005, I moved to my current address in Heilbron, where I run a successful studio/gallery/home.

“I feel so blessed, even though it was a very tough journey to get here. To share my knowledge with a new generation of artists and help them over some rough times is what I can give back to say thank you for this great gift. Never give up on your dreams even if you have to stand alone for a while,” she said.

Viljoen will be working with the Art Department in WGHS, imparting her knowledge and years of experience to the girls.

“She will also be teaching the girls some pottery skills and how they can develop and grow their artistic talents. We are truly grateful to have Ms Viljoen with us,” said the school.

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