my story as founder of rijk geel

I've always been creative. 

The weird kid in school with play dough and crochet needles in their school bag. The one who loved craft days, and painted at every occasion. Little did I know that weirdness, made me who I am today, a business owner and professional artist. 

My parents helped me to channel my creative energy into a professional career first before anything else. I studied BA Information Design at the University of Pretoria and will always be a Graphic Designer at heart. I received professional training in loads of art mediums, and spent four years learning the art of design and how it can change the world. 

I completed my studies and used my painting as an outlet for myself. Every now and then painting a card or small artwork for a friend, but I used it mostly as a time of expression and soul searching. 

Fast forward to October 2022, when I started Rijk Geel Watercolour Art whilst working full time in the creative industry. A whole long story of the symbolism behind it, but that I will share with you over a glass of wine. The dream very far on the horison was to become a fulltime artist, but till then, I rocked the side hustle life. 

Since that day, everything fell into place in ways that I couldn't even imagine. On the 31st of July 2023 I started my new career, one that I never thought would become a reality so soon, as a Creative Educator at a Tertiary Institution - teaching young creatives how to embrace all of who they are to be ready for the grownup world. And, the biggest dream of all, doing, being all that Rijk Geel is, full time. 

Rijk Geel Watercolour Art is a symbol of strength. A pillar of independence, and beauty at the same time. Rijk Geel, I believe, is a movement that can capture emotion and help people to frame that emotion into an artwork. 

Rijk Geel - my heart, passion and business all in one, and one that I believe will make an impact in your creative journey.