_NIK1892

THE COMMITTEE

Guy McGowan

Chairman

Guy is a South African contemporary artist, born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing a collection of works employing the mediums of charcoal and chalk pastel, as well as acrylics on canvas. His work reflects, in most instances, a passion for depicting Nature in the form of landscapes and seascapes — and in particular, the interplay between manmade structures and the elements. 
 
“I always seek to present an observer with the gift of new perspectives; a different way of seeing the world around us and a fresh appreciation for the smaller details that we so easily discard. I aim to conjure up emotive responses, perhaps rekindle that spark of nostalgia or probe a distant memory. Most importantly, I’d like to evoke in the observer a sense of being physically present with the image — hearing, smelling, touching, feeling…”
 
His artwork has found its way to four continents, as well as local homes and corporate offices. Currently, Guy’s work is exhibited at Tamasa Gallery in Morningside, Durban, and has in the past been exhibited at Imbizo Gallery in Umhlanga Rocks, Etchings Etc in Durban North and The Platform in Lions River, KZN Midlands. 
 
Aside from a deep passion for art, he is also conscious of the need for collective environmental awareness — and of educating others, through art, teaching and observation, of the responsibility we have, both to ourselves as Creative Beings, and to the world around us.
 
Having studied Graphic Design at Technikon Natal, Guy spent two decades in the field of advertising, branding and marketing, before discovering a new calling as an Ontological Coach in 2009, assisting others in realisingand fulfilling their true potential. He has also been an avid Japanese Martial Arts practitioner since 1980, focusing on the Samurai Arts since 2001. 

Gabriella Webber

Secretary

Gabriella is happily married, with two adult children plus four adult stepchildren and twelve grandchildren.
 
By profession, she is a Specialist Certified Counsellor, registered with the Council for Counsellors South Africa. She holds an Honours Degree in Psychological Counselling and has completed training in Creative Arts Therapy and Trauma Therapy.
 
Currently she is working towards her Masters in Arts Therapy via The Arts Healing Academy. She has her own practice called Turning Points Counselling and Trauma Therapy in Morningside, Durban, working mainly with children and adolescents.
 
Gabs believes that creativity is the answer to the world’s problems, outside of God that is.
 
Since 2009, Gabriella has volunteered her services twice per week with the ICARE Street Children’s Foundation, using creativity as a means to address trauma and healing. In addition, Gabriella also facilitates art lessons at the Creative Kids Art Studio, in Glenmore.
 
She has diplomas in Art History and in Commercial Art. Her favourite pastime is En Plein Air Painting, working in a variety of media.

Darshika Appukattan

Treasurer

Growing up amidst nature, Darshika was much fascinated in the natural environment – sunrises, sunsets, rivers and mountains which influenced her to explore art with coloured pencils and watercolours as a child.
 
But life took its own course, stalling her artwork for 22 years, after which she restarted her passion and had returned to her happy space, bringing blank canvases to life with beautiful oil paints.

Valencia Pillay

Demonstrator Convener

Valencia is a passionate and creative artist, photographer, media creator and digital marketer. She’s a leader in her church and uses her skills to inspire and connect with others. With a strong faith and positive spirit, she balances her role in administration while embracing the journey of single parenthood.
 
Valencia’s love for creativity and ministry shines through everything she does, making a lasting impact on her community.

Danelle Kistiah

Social Media Coordinator

Danelle is an author, illustrator, and artist currently pursuing her studies in psychology.
 
Her art explores the depths of human emotion and cognition as she wishes to convey that hope and life are beautiful – this is the essence of art. There is beauty in everything we do; art can be found in the way we speak, love, dress, and so much more. It surrounds us every day. All art is beautiful; it simply depends on our perspective, as it is something we create.
 
With each piece she creates, Danelle hopes to inspire others to embrace their stories and recognise the beauty within their struggles. She aims to foster a space where people can connect, create, and heal together.

Guy McGowan

Chairman

Guy is a South African contemporary artist, born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing a collection of works employing the mediums of charcoal and chalk pastel, as well as acrylics on canvas. His work reflects, in most instances, a passion for depicting Nature in the form of landscapes and seascapes — and in particular, the interplay between manmade structures and the elements. 
 
“I always seek to present an observer with the gift of new perspectives; a different way of seeing the world around us and a fresh appreciation for the smaller details that we so easily discard. I aim to conjure up emotive responses, perhaps rekindle that spark of nostalgia or probe a distant memory. Most importantly, I’d like to evoke in the observer a sense of being physically present with the image — hearing, smelling, touching, feeling…”
 
His artwork has found its way to four continents, as well as local homes and corporate offices. Currently, Guy’s work is exhibited at Tamasa Gallery in Morningside, Durban, and has in the past been exhibited at Imbizo Gallery in Umhlanga Rocks, Etchings Etc in Durban North and The Platform in Lions River, KZN Midlands. 
 
Aside from a deep passion for art, he is also conscious of the need for collective environmental awareness — and of educating others, through art, teaching and observation, of the responsibility we have, both to ourselves as Creative Beings, and to the world around us.
 
Having studied Graphic Design at Technikon Natal, Guy spent two decades in the field of advertising, branding and marketing, before discovering a new calling as an Ontological Coach in 2009, assisting others in realisingand fulfilling their true potential. He has also been an avid Japanese Martial Arts practitioner since 1980, focusing on the Samurai Arts since 2001. 

Gabriella Webber

Secretary

Gabriella is happily married, with two adult children plus four adult stepchildren and twelve grandchildren.
 
By profession, she is a Specialist Certified Counsellor, registered with the Council for Counsellors South Africa. She holds an Honours Degree in Psychological Counselling and has completed training in Creative Arts Therapy and Trauma Therapy.
 
Currently she is working towards her Masters in Arts Therapy via The Arts Healing Academy. She has her own practice called Turning Points Counselling and Trauma Therapy in Morningside, Durban, working mainly with children and adolescents.
 
Gabs believes that creativity is the answer to the world’s problems, outside of God that is.
 
Since 2009, Gabriella has volunteered her services twice per week with the ICARE Street Children’s Foundation, using creativity as a means to address trauma and healing. In addition, Gabriella also facilitates art lessons at the Creative Kids Art Studio, in Glenmore.
 
She has diplomas in Art History and in Commercial Art. Her favourite pastime is En Plein Air Painting, working in a variety of media.

Darshika Appukattan

Treasurer

Growing up amidst nature, Darshika was much fascinated in the natural environment – sunrises, sunsets, rivers and mountains which influenced her to explore art with coloured pencils and watercolours as a child.
 
But life took its own course, stalling her artwork for 22 years, after which she restarted her passion and had returned to her happy space, bringing blank canvases to life with beautiful oil paints.

Valencia Pillay

Demonstrator Convener

Valencia is a passionate and creative artist, photographer, media creator and digital marketer. She’s a leader in her church and uses her skills to inspire and connect with others. With a strong faith and positive spirit, she balances her role in administration while embracing the journey of single parenthood.
 
Valencia’s love for creativity and ministry shines through everything she does, making a lasting impact on her community.

Danelle Kistiah

Social Media Coordinator

Danelle is an author, illustrator, and artist currently pursuing her studies in psychology.
 
Her art explores the depths of human emotion and cognition as she wishes to convey that hope and life are beautiful – this is the essence of art. There is beauty in everything we do; art can be found in the way we speak, love, dress, and so much more. It surrounds us every day. All art is beautiful; it simply depends on our perspective, as it is something we create.
 
With each piece she creates, Danelle hopes to inspire others to embrace their stories and recognise the beauty within their struggles. She aims to foster a space where people can connect, create, and heal together.