(Pic: “Engulfed by Humanity" by Ian van Zyl)Umhlanga artist Ian van Zyl has had a busy couple of months. After the frantic activity of the World Cup and the successful response he received to the 12 paintings he produced for the historic event, he went on to show a new body of work at the recent House and Garden Show. He is now working on another new collection of work highlighting the plight of South Africa’s wildlife, overpopulation and global warming.
Born in Kimberley, South Africa, Ian was raised on the family farms in the district. He started drawing and painting at an early age, inspired by the immense open spaces and wild animals that were part of his daily life. After completing his school education at Grey College with Art as a subject, he furthered his studies at the Johannesburg School of Art and is now an accomplished and sought-after fine artist.
Ian embarks on an extended field trip into the bush every year, often spending long periods alone into the remote parts of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. It is here that he finds his greatest inspiration - these experiences and his love of wildlife and specifically the Kalahari is reflected in the sensitivity of his wildlife art and landscapes. His work hangs in many major corporate and private collections around the world.
He regularly exhibits in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and has shown work in successful exhibitions in New York, Birmingham and at the prestigious auction of Wildlife Art held by Christies of London. Ian's wife Elizabeth also produces an exclusive range of photographic prints of his work, suitable for game lodges, hotels and corporate offices as well as private homes.
Ian welcomes visitors to his studio in Umhlanga – contact him on 031 561 1446, email artist@mweb.co.za or visit www.ianvanzyl.com
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