Kelly Kidgell meets a forest view primary school teacher who combines her down- to-earth personality with an exceptional artistic talent.
With an upbringing that seemingly matches the theme of her paintings, Amy Botha grew up in Somerset West in an eccentric, art- and literature-rich household. “I spent most of my childhood outside playing with my two older sisters, climbing trees, making mudballs, eating termites… It was a wonderful, real childhood,” beams Amy.
Amy’s mother is a fine artist and illustrator, but her father can only draw stick figures. With no formal art studies, it’s clear where her artistic talent comes from. “I never considered selling my artwork until a dear colleague asked me to paint something for her earlier this year. It has been a dream come true ever since,” says Amy. “I mostly paint on weekends when I get a gap between spending time with my boys.”
After matriculating at Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch, Amy studied her B.Ed and then B.Th (Theology) at Stellenbosch University. After graduating she moved to Mozambique and became the sole teacher on a remote sugar cane plantation in malaria-ridden Marrameu. Her next relocation was to Scotland and England, where Amy met her husband Jacques. Together they adventured to Botswana, where she found herself at another remote school; this time teaching the children of workers on a salt pan. “We lived a very carefree life for 10 years in Botswana, until my husband wanted to return to South Africa. It was a really difficult decision for me, but I suppose South Africa has more opportunities for my three sons, plus it has PNA – which I should own shares in,” she laughs.
Amy is inspired by the love of colours; clear, strong colours and the magic that can be created by an image. “I think my art can best be described as innocent, optimistic and happy,” she says. Her paintings are done in acrylic, while her book illustrations are done in colour pencil. “My favourite illustrator is Peter Cross, and Alexander Jansson is my favourite painter.”
With such a colourful past and cheerful outlook on life, Amy’s endearing paintings capture the diversity and true nature of her vibrant being. Matched with exceptional talent, her artistic future is sure to be as bright and bold as her work.