About the artist
My Artistic Journey
Hi, I'm Carla Slabbert, a Christian artist who believes art is more than something decorative. At it's best, it is a form of testimony - a way of seeing, responding to, and bearing witness to truth. Christian art does not replace Scripture, but it can help us see what Scripture proclaims, engaging the heart and imagination in ways words alone sometimes cannot.
Art has always been part of my life, but for many years I wrestled with doubt about the value and place of my creative gifts in God's kingdom. That changed when I was asked to recreate an 8th century painting called, The Icon of Christ and His Friend. Studying its history opened my eyes to the Church's long tradition of faithful, theologically grounded art - not as ornament, but as a means of reflection, worship, and formation. In that moment, I sensed the Lord affirm that the gifts he had given me were neither random nor secondary, but entrusted to be stewarded with care. That realisation shifted everything. It awakened a deep sense of calling, faith, and vision I'd never had before.
Because of this conviction, I am committed to producing and offering my work with excellence and integrity. Each artwork is carefully stewarded, from creation to final presentation, with respect for both the meaning it carries and the person who receives it.
My hope is that these works would serve as quiet witnesses in the spaces they inhabit, drawing hearts toward Christ and nurturing a deeper attentiveness to His presence.
A Calling Unfolds
The Early Years: Searching for Meaning
After two years of formal art training in high school, I pursued graphic design, but my heart was always drawn to fine art. I worked in design briefly, then moved into private commissions, from murals to portraits. During this time, I met Jesus, committed my life to Him, and began serving in ministry while painting to earn a bit of income. My husband and I later opened two art galleries, which ultimately didn’t succeed, but those years were full of lessons. Though I saw some career highlights, I struggled to find joy or purpose in my work. I longed to connect my gift with God’s calling.
A Pause and a Pull
With the world in lockdown and my hands full as a full-time mom, art faded into the background. I homeschooled, nurtured, and held our family together through uncertain times. Yet in quiet moments, I felt a deep pull back to art - a longing to create with meaning. I pursued a plan that felt noble, but in hindsight, it was a good idea, not a God idea. Even then, He was gently shaping the next season.
When Dreams Shift
I launched Creativity4Kids with a vision to impact children’s lives through art, especially those with special needs. While it brought moments of deep reward, running everything alone left me exhausted and uncertain. Just as burnout set in, God stepped in… and changed everything.
A Watershed Moment
While working on a commission to reproduce an ancient icon of Christ and His friend, something stirred deeply within me. As I studied its history, the role of art in the Church came alive, and for the first time, I truly saw God’s purpose for my gift. Through a vivid dream and a confirming word, the Lord made it clear: I wasn’t called to teach art, but to create it, as a visual witness to His glory.
A New Land, A Clear Vision
In a miraculous turn, God opened the way for our family to move to Australia, a Red Sea moment for us. Leaving behind the challenges of South Africa, we embraced a new beginning. Even in the upheaval, my vision remained clear: to be a Christian artist, testifying of God’s glory through my work. That same year, I sold my first painting in Australia: "The Way, the Truth, and the Life" - a picture of Jesus extending His hand in invitation.
A Dream Begins
With The Way, the Truth, and the Life as a visual cornerstone, my dream was born. What began as a lifelong yearning to create with purpose has become a ministry - a calling to glorify God through art. As I step into this new chapter, I’m building an online space for Word and Spirit-led art. My hope is to inspire others who feel called to serve the Lord through the arts, and to welcome all who come across this journey of faith, creativity and worship.
