Hilmaré Hotz.

I grew up thinking that others didn’t understand me, however, I could always rely on drawing and painting so others could see and hear me.

When I was growing up in South Africa my art teacher always encouraged me. I shall never forget her. Then I went to Stellenbosch University to complete a 4-year BA in Art where I met lecturers and students who believed in me and my work, and my art developed in a freer way. Suburban life intervened for a while and I took a detour to work my way to becoming a top estate agent dealing in exclusive properties. For a while, my art took second place in my life.

But not for long!

I have always felt the need to create and make art my priority.

I had to became a full-time artist. I painted (and painted!) and was described as “one of the Top 100 artists in South Africa” by art critics. Then a major event happened to me - a near-death car accident and a very long recovery from a traumatic, closed head brain injury. My recovery process, over three years later, ‘brought’ me to England to study and continue my art education in a historical and art history cultural environment.

I completed a Masters in Fine Art at Falmouth University in Cornwall and a PTTL (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Sector) tutoring qualification at Cornwall College. In Cornwall, I became inspired by the rhythmic motion of the sea around this island and visit the sea whenever I am able to.

I have found and sealed my place in the world!

I took an opportunity to move to the town of Cheltenham and into an art studio to work and to thrive within the artist community. I was hoping, and have succeeded in getting closer to the origins of mankind and art.