Ritzi

She describes herself as an ‘organised artist’, a term that seems almost paradoxical considering her entirely unfettered abstract style. Her work does not conform to a specific look or feel; and can leap from light and ethereal to deep, heavy strokes that command the eye. Yet there is a sense of control and a determined focus, and I understand what she means. Her name is Rina and her work is sought-after by both local and global collectors – from sophisticated socialites to high-end commanding corporates.
In one piece, deep shades of midnight blue melt into hues of crimson and wine, while bright yellow hovers in the background. In another, swirls of tranquil blue linger languidly on the canvas, shifting softly upwards like exquisite puffs of smoke. Other commissions feature more structure and form, playing off the architecture of their surroundings and the mood of the space.
As a youngster growing up in the Free State town of Kroonstad, Rina says she had always had the urge to create – whether it was a simple drawing in her colouring-in book or, later on, clothing, candles and expressing herself through make-up. However, she never delved into painting, and her passion was to lie dormant for a good many years. After studying, Rina became an accountant – a life many consider to be the antithesis of an artist’s creativity and freedom. “I was deeply frustrated. I worked for 25 years in the corporate world as an accountant, and there was very little time to satisfy the need to be creative. Eventually, at the age of 45 (yes I know, the famous midlife crisis!), I realised that I could no longer suppress the urge to create. I started attending art classes and was so excited each day that I couldn’t sleep. A whole new world opened up for me,” she explains.
An important element of a good artwork for Rina is its ability to transform and evoke emotion; to grab the viewer's attention and appear different with every movement of light. “A client of mine once described a piece I did for him as ‘changing its appearance as the sun turned or when, in the evening, the lights were turned on’ and this struck me as profoundly true of what I wanted to achieve with my work.”

Since most of Rina’s work is done by commission, she does not follow a particular theme or inspiration. Rather, she says, she finds inspiration at every turn in life, although admitting that as an avid snorkeller, she is often amazed at nature’s variety. “Snorkelling is like discovering a whole new world. The movement of the water and the rays of the sun reflecting on the seabed give me such a thrill. The patterns and colours of the fish and coral inspire me to experiment with new colours and textures,” she explains.

With her creativity directed by her clients, I ask if working on commissions ever gets frustrating. “Definitely not! I paint to create art that inspires, that adds warmth to an environment and generates joy and positive energy. People and their surroundings inspire me; they get the creative juices flowing. I love commissions because they give art a space.” It’s also exciting for her to work with her clients and for them to participate in the creative process, since the end goal is, ultimately, to create something that will be as personal for them as it is for her. This philosophy also translates into the company, Ritzi,of which Rina is the founder. Ritzi, also provides a platform for other artists who share her collaborative creative vision.

Excitement is a key element in Rina’s day-to-day life, and she admits she is a bit of an adrenalin junkie. Zip lining, quad biking, skydiving… not even the sky is the limit for this adventurous artist. She reveals that her husband is a great source of strength and support. “If I had to be locked in a room with any one person for an entire day there is only one person I would choose: my husband, Philip. We've been married for 35 years and over the years he has been the one who believed in me, who encouraged me to follow my dreams and who supported me in everything I did,” she says lovingly.

She is also in love with her country, especially the Cape, and says she could never imagine leaving it. “To be South African means sunshine, biltong and braaivleis, Table Mountain, challenges and forgiveness. I love the diversity of our people, cultures and natural beauty. When friends of mine emigrated to New Zealand, I sat at the Baxter theatre listening to the District 6 musical and felt so sad to think that they would not feel or hear the heartbeat of Africa again soon.”

Rina’s art is an expression of feeling that channels its surroundings to blend and complement, and evoke emotion without being overpowering. With a profound understanding of creating art for modern spaces, it’s no wonder Rina has the reputation for creating some of the best modern abstract art in South Africa.

For more information, visit www.ritzi.co.za, email rina@ritzi.co.za or call 082 441 3718.

Into the Future - a corporate focused abstract artwork, created by celebrated artist Rina from Ritzi, proudly adorns the Cape Town boardroom of TCB Media. The 2.3 m x 1 m mixed medium canvas is a powerful example of how art can carry not only branding in colour but in message too.

“Branding in today’s world is a symbolic representation of organisational values and dialogue. With the digital age, branding is no longer static, and abstract art allows the aligned messaging to be communicated in a way that can be visually interpreted by the consumer in an unusual way,” says Rina.

TCB Media, one of South Africa’s leading custom publishing providers is one of the progressive companies serviced by Ritzi – an artist owned and run company that provides art for sale and rental and also carries out commissions.

“TCB Media is proud to be associated with Ritzi and honoured to display Into the Future in our Cape Town offices. As a next generation media company we hope to take the lead in this exciting new field where branding and art come together,” says Bernard Hellberg, Publisher at TCB Media.

“The image of a company is carried not only by its employees, but also by the space it occupies. Add art to your corporate space to ensure that the image you portray is one of sophistication, motivation, and
professionalism,” says Rina.

TCB Media’s logo concept and design was the inspiration behind Into the Future. The artwork reflects the publishing house’s digital innovations and forward thinking. The symbols of wind, water, and the sky were used to imitate the winds of change with the logo portions using pebbles. The colour blue represents “trustworthiness” and brings a fresh feeling to the graphic symbol. The logo was also moved to the right hand side representing the flexibility of the organisation to accommodate change with the pebble pixilation representing movement and progress.

Rina’s unique style, which uses three dimensional elements, powerful colours, and tactile persuasions are already well known. Most of her works are commissioned and therefore created with the psychology and requirements of the buyer in mind. “The move into the corporate world of branding is a logical one,” says Rina. “Corporate environments have aesthetic needs too, and the ability to produce collections or once-offs that echo the brand’s message or style is very rewarding.”
For more information about Ritzi, visit
www.ritzi.co.za.

Ritzi’s Art Consultation Package includes:
• An obligation free venue visit, which is highly recommended so that Ritzi can get the best understanding of your needs, expectations, space, and personality or brand.
• Helping you visualise the end product by providing you with a schematic proposal.
• Using your budget as a guideline.
• Guidance in styles, colours, and textures to compliment your interior.
• Free on-site delivery and installation within a 100 km radius of Cape Town.
• Free insurance cover for rented art.