MARIA

Maria Oosthuizen, born in 1972 in the picturesque town of Paarl, South Africa, embodies a journey that intertwines family, faith, and an artistic calling. Her early years, spent on the grounds of HS van der Walt Girls’ High where her father taught, were filled with the beauty of jacaranda trees and vineyards, and the warmth of a close-knit family.

Significant relocations to Standerton and Heidelberg marked turning points in Maria’s life. While she dreamed of attending the SA Army Women’s College and studying drama and art in Stellenbosch, her path led her into marketing and social work. Embracing a different calling, she thrived in a marketing career, eventually becoming the marketing manager at TCD Trading in Pretoria, with diplomas in business management and web development.

Maria’s life took another turn in 1995 when she married Francois Oosthuizen and moved to England for nearly two years. The birth of their children, Katinka, Sharl-Francois, and Rigter, deepened Maria’s spiritual journey as she sought divine wisdom to guide her in raising her children according to God’s will.

A pivotal moment came when Maria felt a divine nudge to explore her talents further. Believing that every gift should be used for God’s glory, she pursued hairstyling, blending skill with faith. Concurrently, a passion for painting emerged. Without formal art training, Maria trusted in a higher power and embarked on an artistic journey.

In 2006, Maria experienced a profound moment while painting a feet-washing scene, feeling a divine message: “Take what I have given you and change the world.” With unwavering faith, she embraced her calling to paint. Despite challenges and uncertainties, she entrusted everything to God, dedicating her life to her art and acts of service, including washing feet.

Maria’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and embracing one’s divine calling. From her beginnings in a small South African town to becoming a painter driven by a higher purpose, her journey encourages others to listen to the whispers of their calling and trust the path before them. May Maria’s story inspire and ignite a flame of faith in all who read it.

Artwork of Maria exhibited at Crouse Art Gallery. Original art of more than 60 top South African Artists – Since 1999.