Jolandi Ford Art

So as you all know I love to support local and started a segment where we could share, learn and inspire! It is so important to support local and share your findings with others.

During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.

So I came across the most talented artist on Instagram and wanted to share her with you.  Jolandi Ford is all the way from the Northern Cape and what a treasure she is! I mean how stunning? I love how she uses gold paint in her work.  And the detail on her bird drawings, just beautiful. Unique and breathtaking.

I was scrolling through her work on Instagram and just fell in love more and more. Her art is unique and speaks to you. She works across different mediums and subject matter and each piece is created with so much love.

I chatted to Jolandi and she had this to say to us.

You opened your own business selling your beautiful original art  –  How does it feel to be a successful artist that inspires others and loves what they do?

For me it took a while to actually start a business. It is not easy to put yourself out there and sell art that is sometimes very personal. I try to tell a story with my art and it’s often related to what I am going through myself. So, in a way, it is like writing a life story.

I know that one of my God given talents is to inspire others. I am super proud of myself in that sense. There is nothing better than someone telling me that my art spoke to them in a time they needed it most.

To me nothing is a coincidence. I believe that each of my pieces is meant for someone specific and is meant to bring an inspiring message of hope.

What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?

I have learned not to compare myself and my art to others. Everyone’s journey is different and has a purpose.

I have learned to value myself and my art. I AM AN ARTIST. Because I haven’t studied art in any way, it took me a while to own it.

I have learned to except that everyone has different taste and to celebrate what makes my art different and unique.

Where would you like to see your business in 5 years? 

In the future I would love to have a bigger audience and be able to sell more of my art. I also have a dream of having artist retreats here in the Northern Cape. Like I said, to inspire others is one of my passions. I would also love to hold a solo exhibition!

What is your advice to individuals out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”   Vincent van Gogh

I live by this. Do what you love. If you do it with enough passion, it will show and the rest will come naturally.

Be patient. It doesn’t happen over night. To understand why people buy art is not so easy. Some buy because they love it, some because others have it and some just because it has a name.

If you don’t have a ‘name’ yet, focus on your skills and it will all follow.
Don’t sell yourself short.

You are worthy of success and let God use you just as you are.

Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worth while?

I have three children. So, having flexibility in my day is very important. Sometimes I will not paint for days, but it passes and then I am back to work.

To work for yourself means you can act on that sudden inspiration even if it is 10 at night.

My creativity comes with a dash of chaos, so being able to have a space which sometimes is filled with paper, paint, kids schoolbooks and coffee cups is one of the perks of working from home.

 How has lock down affected you ?

I live on a farm in the Northern Cape. I think lock down has been a blessing is some ways. Being home with my kids and husband is such a blessing.

Being on a farm makes it much easier. We could ride bicycles, walk and spend time outside with the animals without being cooped up in a small space.

I had time to paint and was so inspired to use this time wisely.

The slower pace of life is absolutely awesome and you can’t but wonder if you really want to go back to things the way they where.

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Just love what Jolandi had to say, such an inspiring and passionate woman. Please follow the lovely Jolandi on her Instagram account. She would appreciate the love and follows! Contact her directly for purchasing or commissions x