The Artist Behind the Canvas
A Journey of Faith, Healing and Colour.
I am a South African contemporary abstract artist whose work explores the profound intersections of faith, healing, and human potential. Based in the Western Cape, my art is a testament to the belief that every person carries buried treasures of potential waiting for the right season to be unlocked.
I am Johanna Britz, a contemporary abstract artist based in Robertson in the Western Cape of South Africa. Born in Worcester on 9 July 1976, my journey into the world of art was both unexpected and life-changing. Unlike many artists who develop their craft from an early age, I spent most of my life unaware that I possessed a gift for painting. It was only in April 2026 that I experienced a remarkable creative awakening, discovering a talent that had been hidden within me for decades.
My artistic journey is deeply connected to my personal story. As a child, I struggled with insecurity and the lasting impact of negative words spoken over my life. Over time, through faith in God, the healing power of forgiveness, and a renewed understanding of my identity, I found freedom, hope, and purpose. These experiences have become a central influence on my work, inspiring paintings that reflect transformation, restoration, and the beauty that can emerge from life's challenges.
Beyond the canvas, I am a wife, a mother of two wonderful sons, and a professional nurse serving my local community. My years in nursing have given me a profound appreciation for compassion, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Walking alongside people during times of uncertainty, pain, recovery, and hope has shaped the way I view both life and art. These experiences continue to inform the themes that appear throughout my work.
My paintings are created as expressions of faith, love, healing, and possibility. Through vibrant colour, rich texture, and intuitive abstract forms, I seek to capture aspects of life that cannot always be expressed through words alone. Many of my pieces are inspired by the belief that every person possesses unique gifts and untapped potential waiting to be discovered.
Guided by the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, my vision is to create artwork that inspires reflection, encourages hope, and reminds people of their God-given value and purpose. Through each painting, I hope to share a message of beauty, faith, and transformation while inviting others to see beyond present circumstances and embrace the future that lies ahead.
Robertson, in the heart of the Western Cape, is both my home and a constant source of inspiration. I share my life with my husband, Jonathan, and our two sons, Jonathan Jr. and Joshua. Their unwavering encouragement, belief in my abilities, and support throughout my artistic journey have played a significant role in helping me embrace and develop the creative gift that was discovered later in life. The values of faith, compassion, resilience, and hope that define our family life are woven throughout my creative work.
I am also deeply grateful for the support of my wider family and close friends who have encouraged me every step of the way. My mother, Clara van der Berg, has always been a source of strength through her prayers and steadfast faith. My sister, Andeleen Barry, continually uplifts me with her thoughtful messages of encouragement, while my brother, Andrew van der Berg, has been a valued source of support throughout my journey. I am equally thankful to Raquel, whose encouragement and belief in my work have contributed to the confidence with which I now pursue my artistic calling.
In addition to my artistic practice, I have dedicated many years to serving my community as a professional nurse. Working closely with people during moments of uncertainty, struggle, healing, and recovery has given me a profound appreciation for the strength of the human spirit. These experiences have deepened my understanding of empathy, perseverance, and the preciousness of life, lessons that continue to influence my perspective both as an individual and as an artist.
I believe that every person carries a unique story, shaped by challenges overcame, lessons learned, and moments of grace experienced along the way. This belief forms the foundation of much of my work. Through colour, texture, and abstract expression, I seek to create paintings that encourage reflection, inspire hope, and celebrate the beauty, courage, and purpose that can be found within every stage of life's journey.
Artistic Awakening: The April 2026 Discovery
For most of my life, I was entirely unaware of the artistic brilliance that resided within me. It was not until mid-April 2026 that I picked up a brush for the first time. This sudden discovery was a profound awakening, unlocking a hidden, God-given talent that would forever change my trajectory.
Faith & Inspiration
"My inspiration is drawn directly from the word of God. During my childhood, I battled severe insecurity and endured cruel words that nearly destroyed my confidence. However, through the overwhelming love and grace of God, I made the life-altering decision to forgive those who had hurt me. I paint to remind my viewers of the promise in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
My process is deeply intuitive and rooted in worship. I use rich acrylics mixed with Metallic Gold, Silver, and Royal Purple to reflect the royalty of our spiritual identity. The canvas is a space where I silence negative voices, boldly declare truth, and visualise a prosperous, hopeful future.
