From within the artistic landscape of Parkhurst, Carla Chait emerges as a true polymath, seamlessly weaving together her roles as a dietician, English teacher, and emerging artist. Her recent showcase at RedFest, the art festival held at Redhill School, highlighted her unique journey from the world of nutrition and literature, into the vibrant sphere of visual art.
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Her dual expertise marks Chait’s professional life: a dietician specialising in Macrobiotics, and an accomplished English Literature graduate with a Master’s degree. Her novel, Floor 1, delves into her experiences in a Johannesburg public hospital, reflecting her skill in blending narrative with professional insight. Yet, art has always been a passion, and she explores her creativity outside her formal roles.
Her debut at RedFest was a family affair. Her sister, Melissa Ho, encouraged Chait to participate in the festival’s art exhibition. The familial connection added a personal touch to the artistic presentation.
Navigating her career while pursuing art presents a unique challenge. “Art comes from within me and is thus life-sustaining, without it, I would be less of myself.” This intrinsic drive allows her to maintain her creativity alongside her professional duties. Preparing for the festival, she showcased a selection of her existing works—ink drawings and silkscreen prints—demonstrating her ability to harmonise her artistic practice with her career.
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At RedFest, her artwork offered a compelling narrative of Johannesburg’s urban and natural landscapes. Inspired by local graffiti and cultural artefacts, her ink drawings captured the city’s essence. The Agapanthus series, a standout feature, presented abstract representations of the indigenous flower using a hand-printed silkscreen technique. This collaboration with Artist Proof Studio exemplified her commitment to exploring and refining her artistic methods.
“I feel incredibly humbled by the interest in my art,” she says. The sale of one of her ink drawings and the overall positive feedback encouraged her desire to engage more deeply with the local art scene. Chait is enthusiastic about participating in future exhibitions and continuing to evolve as an artist. As she moves forward, Chait wants to further her involvement in local art events, driven by the encouragement and inspiration she has received.
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