A Lifetime of Creativity: The Art of Marelize

That Little Shop Featured Artist of Stretched Canvas Prints

The late Cape Town artist Marelize has left an indelible mark on the art world, captivating a growing local and international fan base with her bold and emotive creations.

Let us introduce you to this warrior woman, mom & artist and the amazing artworks she left behind.

Marelize holding one of her art pieces

Tragically, Marelize passed away from brain cancer in late 2022.

Her original works, now incredibly rare, have become highly sought after by discerning collectors.

Even in limited-edition print form, her art continues to make a striking impact, transforming both private homes and office spaces with its dynamic presence.

About Marelize

Marelize rediscovered her passion for art later in life, after years spent pursuing other ventures and raising her three daughters

Her radiant body of work is distinguished by its vibrant use of color and intricate depth, achieved through her unique technique of layering resin to create textured yet glass-like surfaces.

Each piece reflects the colors and patterns that inspired her during special moments in her daily life, infused with layers of emotion that give her work a profound, personal resonance.

Her work is a celebration of vibrant colors and profound emotions, offering a window into her artistic soul.

Marelize accomplished a mastery of resin that allowed her to manipulate colours with expert precision, producing complex compositions where vivacious hues blend to create immersive, captivating pieces.

And these bold originals have now also been translated into stunning stretched & framed canvas prints, ideal for filling larger spaces with Marelize’s unique artistic energy and vision.

“These are the layers of emotion I put into my work. When seen in bigger sizes and my feelings get magnified, the colors burst out and they come even more alive.
It’s amazing now what it awakens, and the light it casts on my world.
Thanks for allowing me the space to share and letting it beautify your homes, offices, and personal spaces.”
~Marelize

Giving Back

During Marelize’s illness, one true blessing stood out—her caregiver, Jureen. In the final four months of Marelize’s life, Jureen was there every day, providing compassionate care and unwavering support.

During that time, Jureen shared with Marelize her deep involvement in her community and her passion for helping others in need. She spoke of her desire to continue caring for people, especially the elderly in her local, underserved community, where access to proper medical or home care is scarce.

This inspired her to establish Nonni’s Home-Away-from-Home, a place dedicated to providing care and comfort to those in their most vulnerable moments.

In addition to her other efforts, Jureen also runs a self-funded initiative called Jureen’s Soup Kitchen in Wellington, just outside Cape Town. In response to the challenges faced by the impoverished local community, she saw the need to help wherever she could.

What began as a small community effort has since grown into a larger operation. Every Tuesday, Jureen’s Soup Kitchen serves meals to around 450 people, with the number of those in need continuing to rise.

And as if that weren’t enough, Jureen also runs a workshop for the elderly every Thursday, where she helps about 50 people with knitting and beadwork. The items they create, such as jerseys and socks, etc. are then donated to local crèches, helping to support the community’s youngest members.

A portion of the proceeds of each artwork sold by the late Marelize, now goes towards keeping Jureen’s Soup Kitchen open on Tuesdays, ensuring that the elderly can continue to meet each Thursday, and helping with the daily needs for Nonni’s Home-Away-from-Home elderly care for those less fortunate.

Marelize always believed in the power of “paying it forward,” and this is her way of continuing to spread love and make a lasting impact. Though she may no longer be with us physically, her spirit and generosity remain ever-present.

Now you can also have your very own Marelize Artwork, printed onto premium stretched canvas and expertly fitted with an elegant wooden floating frame.

You can also choose between a Black or a White frame, to best feature the artwork as well as the space where it will be hanging.

And a small Perspex plate with Marelize’s signature will be mounted on the outside of the frame to show the authenticity of the art piece (see examples when you click on the products).

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Picture of Mariaan Tolken

Mariaan Tolken

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