In an interview with Arts&Culture, she explained that, as an art teacher with over 19 years of experience, she is committed to empowering others through creativity. She added that she creates expressive, emotionally resonant visual art, mostly portraiture and figurative work that explores identity, healing, womanhood, and African heritage.
She also said her work often combined realism with abstract elements, blending vivid colours and layered symbolism to convey stories that words alone cannot. “Art has always been my language, a safe space where I could process pain, joy, and transformation.After surviving physical trauma and emotional hardship, art became not just a passion but also a means of survival and healing. I am inspired by people’s stories, especially those often silenced or forgotten. I did art all my life, and hold a Diploma in Art Education from the Molepolole College of Education (MCE),” she said. While she studied art formally and informally over the years, Ginnie Van Meester said much of her growth came from practice, teaching, and sheer devotion. She added that she painted daily for years, adding that each canvas taught her something new. She also said she continued to learn from her students and fellow artists. Furthermore, she said art chose her. Despite life’s many detours and hardships, Ginnie Van Meester says she always found her way back to the canvas since it is her calling. She explained that no other path gave her the same sense of purpose or power to impact lives, including her children’s. She also pointed out that people react with emotions whenever they see her artworks, while others are inspired by her themes and signature colour schemes. Many say that they feel empowered by her work. She added that it has been humbling for her to receive recognition both locally and internationally, and to see how art truly connects people across experiences and borders.
