J-BAC 2025 - Adult 2nd Place Winner - Vicky van Wyk - The Warm Way Home

Artist: Vicky van Wyk

Artwork Title: “The Warm Way Home”

Size: 880.00mm x 710.00mm

Medium: Acrylic & Oil on stretched canvas

Unframed

Inspiration:

Through my neighbourhood lens, I look quietly where the sea lets its waves ripple soft and low. A small coastal town filled with feeling, where each day flows like sunlight. This painting reflects that world: a golden evening where laughter echoes through township streets, aloe blooms catch the fading light and a young girl walks home with fresh greens in hand.

The streets remember every footstep, with children’s laughter and neighbours exchanging warm greetings. Voices carry, soft conversations drifting from stoeps. The sea’s rhythmic hush blends into the everyday soundtrack of life here.

As the sun dips lower, sounds shift. The breeze quiets and voices from inside grow clearer, familiar.

When the wind sings its tune, the world feels lighter and through this lens, I see clearly. We share our joys, we carry our pain, like sea and sand, always together, never alone.

So I keep looking with heart and hope for love held gently in the lens of my neighbourhood.

Artist Bio:

Teaching is my profession and passion, but art is also a big part of who I am. I am privileged to live this calling daily with my Grade 2 learners and to share creativity through extra art classes at Stulting Primary. Surrounded by young learners, creativity flows naturally into my work, and art has become a joyful extension of my life.

I love exploring different mediums, including acrylics, oil, watercolour and pencils, focusing on texture, depth and expression.

Art slows me down and draws me inward, giving shape to what is felt but not always seen: emotion, memory and the quiet strength of place. Painting teaches me to notice what truly matters: caring, connection and everyday beauty.

Each painting reflects my journey and offers a bridge to others, sharing God’s light, joy and beauty in everyday life.