Marittie de Villiers art exhibition, LAYERS, was launched on the 10th November of 2011. Having recently hosted the hugely successful “Paint a Future” art launch, the Hyatt Regency Oubaai is fast becoming a mecca for art lovers. The hotel is currently exhibiting a collection of uniquely crafted furniture and sculptures – the contemporary design and fluid architecture of the hotel lend itself to exhibiting the country’s great artists.
The exhibitio will showcase Marittie’s new signature pieces as well as the new food concept, “Food is Art” available at the Hyatt Regency Oubaai. A percentage of all art sales will be donated to “Design for Work” – this falls under Sikelela Skills Development Centre which is designed to create employment through teaching people crafts, bringing change to disadvantaged adults and children alike. This program also hosts annual competitions for budding artists, hence Marittie’s desire to support the creative talents in her community.
Marittie de Villiers hails from Potchefstroom and after a brief stint in the corporate world she gave it up to follow her heart, giving her natural talent the space to flourish. After travelling extensively in the USA and Middle East she met her husband and they set sail for South America. Having revelled in the culture and native arts of Brazil, French Guinea and Devil’s Island they headed to the Caribbean where Marittie discovered she is was pregnant. She gave birth to her first daughter on the island of St. Maarten and their Caribbean adventures continued. Four years of sailing, 2 kids and 2 cats later they felt the urge for home. Settling on an idyllic farm outside Mossel Bay, Marittie found her true calling in painting. With no training behind her she began to paint every day – and now exhibits at 11 galleries throughout the country as well as shipping her work to overseas clients.
Marittie gets her inspiration from the awe inspiring natural beauty that surrounds her home at the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. Music plays a fundamental role in studio – a skilled violinist, flutist and pianist – Marittie plays every day of her life.
“Faces” are a key feature in Marittie’s work – they are an endless source of inspiration and fascination for her. Her works represent the full spectrum of human emotion – painting in an expressionistic style; she uses visible brush strokes and extensive use of colour to create emotions and energy in her work.
Her warm, generous spirit has led her to support a wide range of charities in her career and she is proud to now support “Design for Work”. The Hyatt Regency Oubaai plays an extensive role in supporting the local community (in keeping with the Global Hyatt philosophy) and is delighted to support Marittie in her endeavour.
Her artwork can be found at galleries throughout South Africa and will be showcased at the Hyatt Regency Oubaai until the 31 March 2012.
