Deryn Van Der Tang

Bio

My first drawing was of a hibiscus flower at age three or four. I sold my first painting at age 14. I was unable to attend Art College when I left school but I pursued a career as a geological cartographer which gave me a creative outlet. I was passionate about art throughout my life, unable to practice it fully raising a family and life circumstances. When I lived in Cape Town, I was able to get formal tuition at the Bellville Art Centre for a season. I joined sketching and writing groups and continued to paint and write. Now I am retired I am able to immerse myself more fully in the process. and have an online gallery and blog. The books I write are devotional in nature and also feature some of my art.

Artist Statement

Deryn van der Tang is an artist who loves to travel both figuratively and metaphorically, exploring her perspective on the internal view that was formed by our exterior experiences, the many layers formed by life. Her art seeks to transform both positive and negative into something spiritual and beautiful. She is inspired by nature and the natural processes of life, growth, and death finding meaning in their metaphors and seasons. She writes a blog; in both her art and writing she tries to connect people back to God through these metaphors. I may use photography, watercolor, acrylic, or mixed media to express these perspectives.