Christelle De Vries

*Not All Art Hangs On Walls!*

I have always loved drawing. Growing up in the Karoo, opportunities to learn from art teachers were few and far between.

In 2014, I had the privilege of illustrating a book and somewhat ironically, it was only in 2015 that I began attending formal art classes, which continued for about 2 years.

From charcoal and oil portraits to intricate pen and ink drawings, I love capturing the world as realistically as possible and embracing new creative challenges.

In September 2026, I was challenged to try my hand at scrimshaw. This art form brought my love for fine detail into an entirely new world. What draws me most to scrimshaw is the patience and concentration it demands. There is no rushing the process - only careful observation, a steady hand and a willingness to trust each tiny mark has a purpose and contributes to the bigger picture. The magic happens when applying the ink, revealing the details created one tiny mark at a time. It makes my heart sing!

A few masterclasses and an upgrade to a microscope, have since helped to refine my technique and explore even finer details.

Not all art hangs on walls: sometimes it is held in your hand, carried on an adventure and treasured for a lifetime.