DUNDEE KZN: Linda is a mum using creative art to make a difference

Linda Kritzinger is a breath of fresh air as she chats, equally breathlessly, about her passion for being creative, her passion for spreading positivity in a sad world, and her need to assist those in a rough patch.

Her ‘studio’ at her and her husband’s business, Glencoe Salvage, Transport & Removals, is a wonderful artistic clutter of just about everything and it is here where Linda teaches creative arts to both women and children. The classes are held once a month on a Wednesday morning for women, and in the afternoon for children.

The classes are free and all that is required is to bring along some paint brushes and some paint. “Last month, we did découpage – which is the art of decorating an object by gluing coloured paper (we normally use tissue paper) cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and other decorative elements. Commonly, an object like a small box or a tin (I never throw away a coffee tin) or even an item of furniture is covered to produce a stunning piece,” Linda said.

Her aim is to get women involved – many of whom are either widowed or lonely (loneliness exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown or who find themselves in a bad place as the economy tailspins into a depression). As someone who years ago went through a soul-crushing personal experience, Linda says she has realised that many are in pain but don’t show it. “Pain shows in the eyes.

Some of the ladies who got their creative juices flowing thanks to classes hosted by Linda Kritzinger.

The mouth may be covered by a mask, but the eyes show the truth.” By getting women involved – no matter their artistic talent – Linda believes this helps to soothe the soul and bring about healing. “Creating something beautiful, no matter how simple, creates a positive aura. The classes are also a way of chatting to others who may also be facing loneliness or are just in a bad space. We are all here to help one another.”

She says children too have not had it easy since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Schools have changed completely. One day off, one day on for most kids. Sporting events, if any, are limited. Parents have gone through a terrible time, so we must remember that children also need an outlet – a ‘thinking out of the box’ experience to reboot and recreate.

“The beauty of these classes is that the costs are negligible, but the results remarkable. The first class in April was such a release for many. I can take 10 ladies at one time and the response was really good. It was not about the art as such, but more about creating, exchanging ideas and just changing the everyday dynamic.

Our May class is called the ‘Vessel of Mary’, which refers to Mary who, in the Bible, washed Jesus’ feet. So we are going to take ordinary vessels – tins, etc – and change these into something remarkable, just as we can change lives.” As an award-winning achiever with Annique beauty products, which saw her travel to 15 countries, Linda knows how to motivate and training is her forte.

“I love people. I was a dental assistant with three different dentists in Dundee and that’s where I just got to love people. My eight grand-kids always want me to tell them stories. By telling stories, we can motivate, teach and encourage. And we can all do with a bit of all three.” For more details on Linda’s creative classes, call her on 082-372-1120.  

Some of the pieces created by the ladies who attended the classes in Glencoe,

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