Wall art by Mieke Van Der Merwe

from Cape Town, South Africa

Find out more about Mieke Van Der Merwe

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I am from South Africa and stayed in South Korea for two and a half years, but are now back again, staying and working in Cape Town.
How would you describe your artistic style?

I love giving buildings and architectural spaces personality and warmth through the use of pen and brush. My style is very detailed but still drawn in a loose and free manner. When people look at my work, I want to convey a glimpse of the atmosphere and what makes the place unique.
What’s on top of your bucket list (as an artist or just as a person)?

I think on top of my bucket list is to see more of the world and be able to work as a full-time artist.
Vector or watercolour?

Watercolour.
New York, New York or remote mountain hut?

New York, New York.
Becks or Merlot?

Merlot please or can we make that a Cabernet Sauvignon?
And a little Proust: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is the knowledge that I can have peace and be content no matter what my circumstances because I am a child of God. Sharing this love with people in need and spending quality time with family is what really matters to me in life.
Which living person do you most admire?

Oliver Jeffers because he has such an amazing way of illustrating and telling children's stories.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Power.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My family and my dogs.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I would like to come back as a bird. They seem so carefree and are able to fly.
The world needs more…

people that are willing to leave their comfort zone and help others.
I’ve changed my mind about...

staying home on a Friday night. When I was younger, that was my worst nightmare, but now I really enjoy relaxing at home after a long week.
What most people don't understand is that...

not everyone is going to like you and that's okay. It doesn't make you a bad person. Rather stay true to who you are than becoming someone you're not in order to win applause.

For each art print you buy, Mieke Van Der Merwe and Photocircle plant trees in Ethiopia.

Since the beginning of 2021 we have been able to plant 403.721 trees in Ethiopia so far - these trees are estimated to absorb 32.297.680 kg CO₂ within the next five years