1959–1977
Born on 26 September 1959 in Nylstroom in the Limpopo Province
bushveld, South Africa. Grew up with four siblings on the
family’s farm on the Springbok Flats and attended local
schools. Childhood was spent in nature, playing with animals,
and drawing and reading for hours.
1978–1989
Studied Theology (BA and BD degrees) at the University of
Pretoria and served as a reverend of the Dutch Reformed
Church (Hervormde Kerk) for five years. Illustrated a series of Bible books
and educational books as auto-didact.
1990–1995
Obtained an Honours degree in Journalism and a Certificate
in Graphic Design. Worked as graphic designer and layout
artist. Illustrated more picture books.
1996–2008
Started to freelance as an illustrator and decided to focus
on picture books. Participation in the BIB competition in
Bratislava was instrumental in the decision to follow a
career in picture book illustration and to obtain an MA
degree in Fine Arts (Illustration).
A series of international and national awards followed
– amongst others two silver medals in the Noma Concours,
the Octogone de Chêne prize, and a BIB plaque.
Held two teaching posts:
at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and at Stellenbosch
University. Other academic or book projects include acting as external examiner in MA examinations (Stellenbosch University and University of South Africa) and ad hoc art directing.
Involved in community projects like book-making, story-telling
and intermediating between indigenous illustrators and publishers.
Ran a studio gallery called Hoi Hannelore! and other stories in
Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands.
2009-2011
Relocates to the UK. Lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Sessional lecturer in Picture book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.
Appointed as senior lecturer and course leader in Illustration at the University of Worcester in the West-Midlands of England.
Lives in West-Malvern with wife Marie, daughter Catherina and dog Alice.
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