I painted the face of a boy from a photo, but when it was done, it didn’t look like him exactly. Instead, it reminded me of the Indian boy who worked at the tuck shop down the street. I began wondering about his roots—where did he come from in this modern world? He just looked like an Indian, but I kept thinking: If we rewound time, would he have been a hunter, a warrior, or part of a tribe? I tried to capture this in the painting, using exotic birds and vibrant greens to reflect his possible connection to an ancestral past. The painting is small but full of color, almost like a glimpse into a deeper world, rich with nature and life. It wasn’t just about his face, but about a link to something older and possibly lost. I wanted to show that, even in today’s world, the past can still live on, subtly shaping who we are.

Ally Els

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Ally is a versatile artist whose work spans from the intricate details of realism to the expressive freedom of abstract and Impressionism. Her ability to fluidly shift between these diverse styles showcases her technical skill and boundless creativity. Ally embraces a variety of mediums in her artistic process, from charcoal and watercolor to acrylics and occasional oil paints. A signature element of her pieces is the final touch of white paint, which adds light and depth to her already vibrant works. Known for her dynamic use of color, Ally’s paintings exude an energetic vitality that draws the viewer in. Each piece carries a distinct emotional resonance, with layers of depth and movement that invite personal interpretation. She believes that the power of art lies not just in its visual impact, but in its ability to convey emotion and energy—creating a tangible experience for the viewer. A key pillar of Ally's artistic philosophy is the embrace of imperfection. "You have to make room for mistakes," she says. "Sometimes in the flaws, true beauty exists. If my art was perfect, it wouldn't show my vulnerability. And I believe that being vulnerable is honest and pure." Her loose, unrefined brushstrokes reflect this belief, creating works that feel alive and authentic. There is a certain point in her creative process when her work "becomes alive and filled with passion." Ally acknowledges that it's easy to overwork a piece and lose its energy, so she always reminds herself to step back when the work feels complete. This mindful balance allows her paintings to maintain their vitality without overindulgence. Ally’s background in graphic design provides a strong conceptual foundation for her art. Her pieces often convey deep messages, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of hope, beauty, and life's infinite possibilities. Her studies at the Jack Meyer Art School in Paarl further refined her technical prowess, enabling her to merge both her creative vision and refined technique. "I want my art to invite the viewer into a world of imagination and inspire them to follow their dreams," Ally says. Her work not only captures the essence of her own journey but also serves as a reminder of the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Through her paintings, Ally creates a space for connection, vulnerability, and inspiration, making each piece a unique invitation to explore the complexities of life and the beauty found in the imperfect.