A work in progess

Jolan Adeline, renowned for her life-like chalk drawings admired around Durban restaurants, is back in action on the Ridge, writes Frances Park-Ross

After spending five inspirational years in the Seychelles, where she met her husband Leo and gave birth to their son, David, she has returned with an even stronger passion for art.

“Art is my calling and I cannot separate it from any other aspect of my life. I see myself as ‘a work in progress’ because I’m constantly learning and growing as an artist. My journey as a Christian, wife, mother and artist, brings its own challenges, joys and opportunities to gain wisdom,” she explained.

Jolan’s biggest commissions were for Umhlanga art connoisseur Neil Bussiahn, one of which included a profile portrait of his wife Cathy.  Her largest project was a DUT community project mural for the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre in Chatsworth.  The group was split up and she and a friend produced an 11m-tall mural, working on scaffolding!

“Nature inspires me, the oceans, the way light works, the way water moves, the cycles of nature, its colours, contrasts, harmony and mystery. People of all ages inspire me too – their personal experiences, cultures and the way they look and act.”

Much of her work is in the Ridge area. She enjoys painting elements of nature like seascapes and skies. She also enjoys painting people, especially children, and is currently working on a portrait of La Lucia couple Alwin and Frances van Breda’s children, Jemma and Blair.

Her extraordinary strength as a “photo realistic” artist ensures that clients are always delighted with the end product.

“My artistic successes are defined by achieving goals and overcoming obstacles,” she said. “Each project or drawing, completed with all my heart and to the best of my ability, is a success. Smiles from clients are rewards I store up inside.”

Happy clients include Pam Golding Umhlanga principal Elwyn Schenk.  Jolan painted a large mural of the Umhlanga lighthouse and beach for display outside the entrance of his Umhlanga home.

Jolan’s corporate and retail commissions include black and white fashion statement chalks for Gateway shop Cassanovas.  She also helped theme one of their shops for the Durban July, with a drawing of Sea Cottage, jockey Muis Roberts and trainer Syd Laird.

Jolan’s artistic talent stems from her grandmother and mother. She started crayon drawings at the age of three when she was given paper that was bigger than she was, by her mother.  She drew out of a deep inner desire.  After establishing as a chalk artist, a demand for paintings flowed from her work. Her mentor was art teacher Deannne Donaldson.

After schooling in Durban, she studied English literature at Stellenbosch University and eventually established herself as a chalk artist in Durban. Thereafter she completed a national diploma in Fine Art at DUT.

Jolan has received a number of commissions from people who’ve watched her at work in restaurants like the Grill Room Café opposite Mitchell Park and Splashes at the Point Waterfront.

“I don’t really have a favourite technique, because the drawings and paintings all involuntarily emerge in the same fashion – from the heart to the grounds (paper, wall, blackboard or canvas), it forms itself into a photo realistic image starting from darkness and moving into light. I seem to glaze quite a bit when painting, loving the translucent interaction of colours and textures. I suspect, however, that there may eventually naturally be a diversion from this photo realistic style.”

Jolan’s favourite mediums are oils and chalk pastels, “but I’m fascinated by water colours and would like to use them more often”.   Other artists inspire her, too, both in the historic and contemporary realms.

“I love their guts, sensitivity, dedication, personal expression and their innovation. One celebrity I’d love to paint would be Madiba. I’m not much moved by the categorisation of so called celebrities: I’ve seen such goodness, talent and ability, heroism and strength coming from people of all walks of life, many different ages, and all races.”

She smiles.  “Even after living in an exotic and stunningly beautiful place like Praslin, in the Seychelles, it’s great to be home to continue my ‘work in progress’ amid the unique landscapes of the African coastline.”