Esther Engelbrecht
Explore with Art

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I'm so glad you've found your way here.
I wear many hats, much like many of you, as a mum, wife, friend, sister, daughter, and all the wonderful connections that come with being part of a family. I'm also an artist, a qualified counsellor, a change manager, a keen traveller, and at heart, a creator.
My journey into art counselling began with a personal revelation. Discovering the profound healing power of art sparked a deep curiosity within me. I felt compelled to understand how this could not only enrich my own life, helping me navigate challenges and strive for more, but also how it could potentially support others. Witnessing the simple yet powerful impact of painting alongside friends ignited this further, leading me down a path of exploration. I immersed myself in art therapy courses, driven by a desire to learn more about psychology and, crucially, how to create a safe space for others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
My professional life has been varied. Starting out as a financial presenter, I had the privilege of connecting with people from all walks of life. This naturally evolved into a role as a change manager, where I support organisations through significant transitions. This experience truly fuelled my passion for working with people and facilitating meaningful change. It was this passion that led me to pursue formal studies, culminating in a BSocSci degree and registration as an HPCSA Registered Counsellor. This has allowed me to beautifully blend my love for working with individuals and empowering their journeys with the transformative power of art.
My connection with art goes way back to childhood. I was always happiest with art materials in my hands, a form of play and meditation that has remained a constant throughout my life. No matter where I've travelled, lived, studied, or worked, my art supplies have always been close by. What I cherish most about creating is that magical feeling of playful freedom, of letting go and trusting the process.
My paintings, which have evolved since I was a child, naturally reflect my experience of the world and my love for experimenting with colour and imagery. For me, colour is deeply emotive, and the subtle nuances of different shades can convey so much. I rarely begin a piece with a fixed outcome in mind. Instead, it's about the journey of creation itself. I often find that the most captivating results emerge from unexpected twists and turns along the way. Each piece holds a special significance for me, representing a step on my own personal path.
I primarily work with oil and acrylic paint on canvas, as well as exploring the exciting possibilities of 'digital painting', which I then reproduce as high-quality Giclée prints on beautiful, boxed canvases.
Here on my website, you'll find a limited selection of these digital prints alongside my original oil and acrylic paintings, all ready to hang. If you have any enquiries or are interested in commissioning a piece, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at esther.engelbrecht@gmail.com.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I look forward to connecting with you!