Today we’d like to introduce you to Erna van Dyk
Hi Erna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved from South Africa to Orange County in 2010 and realized how hard it was to make friends. Art was like therapy for me and I spend my time exploring all the art stores and art activities in and around Orange County. Amazing museums and was just loving how much art was accessible. Volunteering in my son’s school with art made me realize that I love teaching. Love sharing my art making ways and love the feeling of value it brought to my life. I myself started taking classes and made so many wonderful art friends. When ever I had a chance to share what I am busy with the feedback was always so positive and then the next question would always be if I can show them how to do it… from there I started teaching classes to all ages and never looked back. Unfortunately I do not have my own studio space anymore so I am just traveling teaching private events, in the Bower Museum at Sherman Gardens and a few community and senior centers. I was the only art teacher at a private school teaching pre-K – 12gr for 5 years. I have learned to explore art with many age groups in many mediums.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting started not knowing anyone was a bit of a challenge but luckily word of mouth has spread and I have build a few art groups that meet weekly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I mainly teach classes in watercolor, mixed media art journals and ceramics. I do like a variety of mediums and feel comfortable in most. The mixed media art journals is where I collage, stencil and stamp and use gelli plates.
I have been painting weekly with my watercolor art group and monthly watercolor botanicals in Sherman Library and Gardens for close to 8/9 years. People know me for my easy teaching style.
The ceramic classes give me the opportunity to create 3D form and I love to take students with me creating sculptures and every day items.
When I turned 40 a few years ago I painted acrylic on canvas 40 different women and had a very successful solo exhibition in Laguna Beach. I was very proud of that show and what I have accomplished.
Being a teacher in a school set up taught me to be flexible and time efficient. I can also make a solid plan B right on the spot and work with all kinds of people and meet them at their specific level.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I used to draw these heart shaped face people in one of my mom’s recipe books. Hearts were always my favorite shape. I think I was always daydreaming and drawing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ernavandyk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ernavandyk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ernavandykartist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszMo72wjca1y36MYfPxfaQ
