“What Started It All” by Jolante Hesse

Read the story behind the stunning painting “What started it all” by the talented South African-based painter, Jolante Hesse.

Art interprets our personal views and experiences of life in a universal language. In other words, it may create something bigger than our existence, where everyone could find a piece of his/her own self. Looking at the self-portrait of the talented South African-based painter, Jolante Hesse, no one can stay unmoved by the strength and sincerity of its truth, and of course by its masterfulness.

Jolante Hesse is the winner of the Artist of the Week contest for the second time. And, she’s not only a very gifted and skilled painter. She has also an uncommon story behind the discovery of her talent.

“What Started It All” painting by Jolante Hesse

“In 2004 I survived a panga attack in Mombasa, Kenya whilst working as part of a hotel opening team,” she had mentioned in her previous interview. “I started drawing after the attack and found the process therapeutic and calming. My recovery took about a year. Although I was, and still am involved in my career, I started thinking about developing my love for art and painting. Little by little I started simplifying and decluttering my life and in 2010 I started art and painting classes.”

The painting “What Started It All” is featuring the scar that started Jolante’s journey to art; her traumatized hand became the tool that unveiled her talent. And, this is couldn’t be a more hopeful message. Bad things may happen in our lives. Yet, we should always try to transform them into something beneficial and beautiful for ourselves and others.

Portfolio and style

Jolante has a very impressive portfolio of portraits, but also landscapes, still life, and drawings. “I am always working on and thinking about figures and portraits. But I’m becoming curious about still lifes and unusual landscapes that evoke an emotional response.“

She is also very aware of her technique and materials. And, she is only satisfied when she achieves the best in her art. “In line with my personality, I seek technical proficiency before artistic expression,” she explains. “This enables me to create a foundation that I can have faith in. I need to know exactly how materials can be used and must have the confidence to trust my skills. It is just how my head works. My left brain wants to know this. Will my paintings look the same 300 years from now, without fading or disintegrating? Moreover, I want to create texture, life, and vibrancy. And value changes without necessarily having to apply thick paint or relying on ‘accident’.”

And, this persistence is justified and successful. One of her portraits was selected as a finalist for the SPI National Portrait Award which is the largest and most prestigious portrait competition in South Africa.

Thank you so much, Jolante for sharing your work and ideas one more time. You can find and follow Jolante’s Hesse unique fine art on her site.