ABOUT
"I was born in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, South Africa. My mother was an opera singer with a beautiful coloratura soprano voice. We were always singing in the house. By age 12, I was singing the Queen of the Night aria, "Der Hölle Rache", from The Magic Flute by Mozart. I learned to play the piano as a child and would make up my own songs. Until this day I'd be singing opera arias while doing chores or walking around the house. Music has always been a part of me and serves as constant inspiration for my paintings.
Talking about my art is challenging for me. It's like asking someone to explain why and how they breathe. For me, art is life; it's about being alive. It's just what I do. I am completely and utterly passionate about it.
Visuals and ideas form in my mind at any given time. Inspiration comes from so many sources: music, nature, philosophy, books, dreams, humanity, life experiences, politics, religion, world events, emotions - love, sorrow, anger, joy... At times my paintings are just born out of sheer curiosity and simply an experiment in colors, textures and shapes.
I love the smell of clay and paint and how it feels in my hands. I love how paint runs, mixes and drips, and the endless wealth of color and beauty it contains. I'm intruiged by the human body and love exploring its beautiful lines and expressive potential in my sculptures.
It is so fascinating and exciting when a painting or sculpture takes on a"life" and identity of its own.
To sing, to draw, to paint and to sculpt are my passions - my creative expression. This is how I communicate. This is who I am."
Rhona studied classical singing with the late Prof. George van der Spuy and Eric Muller in South Africa, and with Anne Sciolla in America. Rhona has performed in theatre productions, operas, concerts, weddings, private functions, corporate events, charitable fundraisers and as soloist for choirs on both continents. Since moving to the US in 1998, she has had numerous solo art exhibits, participated in juried art exhibitions, art auctions and has done a variety of commissioned pieces for private collectors.
Rhona resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.