It’s no secret that Capetonians love art, and when artists claim they’re from the Mother City, we love them even more. Maria Magdalena van Wyk, who launched her first range of limited edition fine art prints in 2014, may hail from Port Elizabeth, but her heart belongs to the Cape. Cape {Town} Etc sat down with her for an inside look at what inspires her about this city.
1 How does Cape Town influence your style and art?
Cape Town has an exhilarating creative energy in the air, with up-and-coming artists from all walks of life flooding to the city in pursuit of their artistic dreams. We live on the slopes of one of the New7Wonders of Nature, encircled with internationally renowned beaches. Fleeing to the inspirational peace of nature is one of my favourite aspects of living here, so much so that I even had an entire exhibition dedicated to the Tales of Table Mountain last year.
2 What do you love most about this city?
I adore the mountains, beaches, hiking trails, organic lifestyle, restaurants, markets, Winelands and, most of all, the thriving local art scene.
3 If a friend was visiting Cape Town for the first time, what would be your must-see spot to take them to?
I would take them on a drive around Table Mountain, stopping off at Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Cape Point and Chapman’s Peak.
4 Describe the city in three words.
Enigmatic, exclusive, abundant.
5 If you were to create a souvenir that represents Cape Town (other than your current artworks), what would it be or look like?
An intricate wooden carving of Table Mountain.
6 What’s your favourite Cape Town catchphrase?
‘Ja, nee!’
7 Who are three Capetonians we should be following online right now?
Origami artist Ross Symons, @white_onrice
Photographer Emma-Jane Harbour, @emmajanenation
Weylandts Furniture founder Chris Weylandts, @weylandtshome
Photography Jenna Skead, Adam Mays
Get your hands on one of Maria Magdalena Atelier’s beautiful prints at mariamagdalena.co.za, then catch up on last week’s #CTEConvos with photographer and Instagram-extraordinaire Heinrich Knoetze here.