On a more personal note...
Elbè Venter, an illustrator and self-taught surface pattern designer, resides alongside her family in Pretoria, South Africa. Drawn by the untamed allure of a country rich in diversity, Elbè finds her muse in the vibrant tapestry of the "rainbow nation," which ignites her imagination and fuels her creativity to craft distinctive decorative art and patterns.
From an early age,Elbè ‘has harnessed the power of art as a means of expression and interpretation, allowing her to unravel the complexities of the world around her. As a self-proclaimed introvert, she embraces the meditative process of painting, drawing, and digitally transforming her artwork into captivating repeating patterns, a pursuit that has become one of her cherished pastimes.
While primarily self-taught, Elbè's artistic prowess is fortified by her academic achievement—a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication. Her wanderlust led her on adventures across the globe during her formative years, ultimately culminating in a settled life alongside her husband, two daughters, a feline companion and dogs.
Balancing her roles as a full-time mother and a creator, Elbè passionately channels her dreams into two intersecting paths. She imparts joy to households through her publicly shared artwork, an endeavor she embarked upon while nurturing her family.
Her aspiration extends beyond aesthetics; she seeks to convey profound insights into life through her artistry. Despite grappling with imposter syndrome, she has discovered that validation and success are not prerequisites for creating impactful art. She believes that the sincerity of one's artistic journey, consistent practice, and an inherent love for the creative process will inevitably shine through in the final masterpiece. Authenticity remains her guiding principle.
Her artistic style is marked by meticulous line work, layered textures, and vibrant color palettes woven together with various techniques. Currently, Elbè is immersed in designing patterns for an array of applications—stationery, textiles, wall coverings, and home decor items.
Her artistic endeavors find a virtual home on Instagram, under the handle @elbeartstudio, where she shares her creative escapades with a global audience. She has also started selling her own crafted products in the form of scatter cushions, table runners and other home decor items on www.pikapattern.com.
‘..showing up everyday…expecting the unexpected makes the creative process a humbling one yet so rewarding..’
