Janet Botes

Visual Artist | Environmental Artist

Wilderness, South Africa
“My passion for ecology coupled with my creative talent is my biggest gift and my most important way to contribute to society, Mother Earth and everything in between. With my feet rooting me to the Earth, my blood flowing as water through my veins, the wind as my breath and the fire of my creativity, I use my impulse to create to share my experiences and perspectives in ways that enrich, inform and inspire. Creating art that honour the sacred in life, in highlighting the beauty & complexity of nature & life while minimizing my ecological footprint. Exploring ways of connecting more deeply to our true nature within the web of life – as a fellow species to others, reliant on the cycles of the Earth, and responsible for conserving biodiversity and assisting the inherent regeneration of our ecosystems."

I have professional experience in graphic design, illustration, and web design. I worked for design agencies in Gauteng before moving to Cape Town and focusing on my art career. I have been involved with various projects in the Western Cape and Gauteng, and participated in numerous group exhibitions. I also have experience working with environmental organisations like WESSA, Climate Reality Project, 350.org, Greenpeace, and the South African Eco Film Festival - volunteering, assisting with visual communication for campaigns, or helping to organise/publicize events.

Work Experience

Janet Botes

Independent visual artist, illustrator, designer & photographer

As visual artist I have exhibited my work in two solo exhibitions, several group exhibitions and traveled as part of the Global Nomadic Art Project by YATOOi. I work as an artist with Site_Specific, StateoftheArt, Japi Collective and other local or small projects - often working collaboratively. I also offer workshops in an aim to help other people reconnect to their own creative nature.

As a designer I have worked for various clients that include NGOs, art galleries, entrepreneurs, artists, healers, training companies and consultants. My ethos and environmental-focus lead me to seek out sustainable practices, methods and materials for printing or production. My artistic background and primary focus also makes me adept at integrating illustration and photography with typography into effective and visually pleasing layouts.
2009 - South Africa

Various

Volunteer, activist, graphic designer for environmental projects

Volunteer work for various campaigns and organisations, with the aim to raise awareness for environmental issues - including climate change, fracking and pollution - or for conservation efforts. My volunteer work includes helping to organise and publicize events, and create artwork, props, and graphic design to support campaigns.
2009 - Present South Africa

Media Hunter

Graphic Designer

February 2009 - May 2009 Cape Town, South Africa

It's Called Advertising

Graphic Design

November 2007 - July 2008 Pretoria, South Africa

Profit Creative

Junior graphic designer

July 2007 - October 2007 pretoria, South Africa

The Ad Factory

Junior Graphic Designer

January 2007 - July 2007 Johannesburg, South Africa

Education

Vaal University Of Technology

B TECH: Graphic Design

January 2003 - November 2006 Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

Languages

English (Fluent),
Afrikaans (Native),

Awards

Vaal University Of Technology

Merit Award for best illustration on Exhibition

200511

Skills

Design, Digital, Drawing, Illustration, Painting, Visual Communication,