The saying ‘life begins at 30’ proved true for Ballito artist Sharon Paterson when her artistic calling came knocking in her 30s.
The now 65-year-old self-taught potter and stained-glass artist grew up surrounded by the artistry of her mother, instilling in her a love for art.
Her dedication to the arts saw her opening a coffee and an arts and crafts shop in Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga.
”I was in operation for 24 years, and in Pilgrim’s heyday we were very busy doing functional ware with a twist,” she said.
Today she is primarily recognised for her pieces depicting pangolins – the most highly trafficked wildlife species on the continent – and her ‘Fat Lady’ series.
”The Fat Ladies were seen on The Real Housewives of Durban. I started them because I find them amusing.”
The Fat Ladies exude artistic audacity where their sitting positions, texture and accessories all make a bold statement.
Paterson recounted how people have copied her work in the past and how she used that experience to ”think outside the box” and become a better artist.
Over the years she has diversified her skills, doing a variety of artistic pieces.
Since relocating to Ballito six years ago, Paterson has used her wealth of experience to harness the young talent Ballito has to offer by hosting painting pottery sessions at Waterberry Coffee Shoppe.
“I love giving classes. We are a like-minded bunch, and it is pure therapy and peace.”
In a bid to empower local artists, Paterson has further collaborated with a friend to give local artists a place to work and sell their art under the website curiosityafricanboutique.com
You can find Paterson’s work at Re-freshed, a store in New Salt Rock Centre that she co-owns with three of her daughters, or by visiting refresheddesigns.co.za.
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