THE ARCHIVE
A curated glimpse into more than three decades of artistic exploration.
Every season leaves its mark. Explore the moments that shaped the artist I am today.
Where It All Began (1992-1994)
These early drawings were created during my years at Pro Arte, where my artistic journey truly began. After discovering that my high school did not offer art as a subject, an unexpected opportunity led me to the only formal art training I would ever receive - a season that quietly laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Finding My Direction (1998-2005)
After studying graphic design, my heart remained firmly drawn to fine art. I began working independently, creating commissioned murals and portraits, entering art competitions, and exhibiting work through local galleries. This season became an important step from learning the craft to living it.
A Place for Art (2006-2010)
Together, my husband and I established two Art Galleries and a professional framing service in South Africa. This season immersed me in every aspect of the art world - from creating and exhibiting to presentation, craftsmanship and connecting collectors with original works. It was a season that broadened both my experience and my appreciation for fine art.
Recognition Along the Way (2010-2022)
As my artistic journey unfolded, opportunities arose to share my work beyond the studio. These publications, museum acquisitions and special commissions mark significant milestones - each representing not only recognition of my work, but the privilege of contributing to stories that continue to inspire and preserve a lasting legacy.
South African Artist Magazine
It was both a surprise and an honour to be invited as a featured artist in South African Artist magazine. The article explored my artistic journey, creative process and approach to fine art, while showcasing a selection of my work and offering practical encouragement to fellow artists.
Boer War Museum Permanent Collection
My painting was acquired into the permanent collection of the Boer War Museum in Bloemfontein, becoming part of an important historical and cultural archive. The accompanying newspaper article marked the unveiling of the work during the Women's Memorial Centenary commemorations.
Keeping the Flame - Oil on canvas - Carla Slabbert, 2013
Created to commemorate the Women's Memorial Centenary, this painting reflects on the suffering of children during the Anglo-Boer War alongside a new generation entrusted with carrying forward a flame of truth, freedom and remembrance. It is a meditation on legacy - honouring the past while inspiring future generations to preserve its story.
Krige Museum Permanent Collection
As a descendant of the Krige family, it was a special privilege to have a permanent collection of my work housed in the Krige Museum at Calledon Villa in Stellenbosch. This collection celebrates both my artistic journey and a shared family heritage spanning more than three centuries in South Africa.
Portrait of Johan Krige - Pastel on Pastelmat Board - Carla Slabbert, 2022.
Commissioned by the Krige Bond, this portrait was created as a tribute to Johan Krige in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving the history of the Krige family. It was presented during the KF300 celebrations, commemorating three hundred years of the Krige family in South Africa, and now forms part of this significant historical legacy.
Holding Onto the Dream (2010-2022)
This season was marked by quiet perseverance. Between motherhood, private commissions and creating work for galleries, I continued to paint whenever I could, holding onto the dream while searching for a deeper sense of purpose. Looking back, I can see that even these quiet years were preparing me for what was to come.
The Turning Point (2021-2023)
Creativity4Kids was founded with a desire to nurture children's creativity and confidence through art. While this season brought deep joy and unexpected growth, it also became the place where God gently redirected my heart, revealing that my gift was not simply to teach art, but to create it as a visual witness to His glory.
A Watershed Moment
While reproducing an ancient icon of Christ and His friend, I found myself captivated by the rich history of Christian art and its place within the life of the Church. Through this commission, together with a vivid dream and a confirming word from the Lord, I discovered a calling that would forever reshape the direction of my work.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
This painting became the cornerstone of the journey I continue to walk today.
Where It All Began (1992-1994)
These early drawings were created during my years at Pro Arte, where my artistic journey truly began. After discovering that my high school did not offer art as a subject, an unexpected opportunity led me to the only formal art training I would ever receive - a season that quietly laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Finding My Direction (1998-2005)
After studying graphic design, my heart remained firmly drawn to fine art. I began working independently, creating commissioned murals and portraits, entering art competitions, and exhibiting work through local galleries. This season became an important step from learning the craft to living it.
A Place for Art (2006-2010)
Together, my husband and I established two Art Galleries and a professional framing service in South Africa. This season immersed me in every aspect of the art world - from creating and exhibiting to presentation, craftsmanship and connecting collectors with original works. It was a season that broadened both my experience and my appreciation for fine art.
Recognition Along the Way (2010-2022)
As my artistic journey unfolded, opportunities arose to share my work beyond the studio. These publications, museum acquisitions and special commissions mark significant milestones - each representing not only recognition of my work, but the privilege of contributing to stories that continue to inspire and preserve a lasting legacy.
South African Artist Magazine
It was both a surprise and an honour to be invited as a featured artist in South African Artist magazine. The article explored my artistic journey, creative process and approach to fine art, while showcasing a selection of my work and offering practical encouragement to fellow artists.
Boer War Museum Permanent Collection
My painting was acquired into the permanent collection of the Boer War Museum in Bloemfontein, becoming part of an important historical and cultural archive. The accompanying newspaper article marked the unveiling of the work during the Women's Memorial Centenary commemorations.
Keeping the Flame - Oil on canvas - Carla Slabbert, 2013
Created to commemorate the Women's Memorial Centenary, this painting reflects on the suffering of children during the Anglo-Boer War alongside a new generation entrusted with carrying forward a flame of truth, freedom and remembrance. It is a meditation on legacy - honouring the past while inspiring future generations to preserve its story.
Krige Museum Permanent Collection
As a descendant of the Krige family, it was a special privilege to have a permanent collection of my work housed in the Krige Museum at Calledon Villa in Stellenbosch. This collection celebrates both my artistic journey and a shared family heritage spanning more than three centuries in South Africa.
Portrait of Johan Krige - Pastel on Pastelmat Board - Carla Slabbert, 2022.
Commissioned by the Krige Bond, this portrait was created as a tribute to Johan Krige in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving the history of the Krige family. It was presented during the KF300 celebrations, commemorating three hundred years of the Krige family in South Africa, and now forms part of this significant historical legacy.
Holding Onto the Dream (2010-2022)
This season was marked by quiet perseverance. Between motherhood, private commissions and creating work for galleries, I continued to paint whenever I could, holding onto the dream while searching for a deeper sense of purpose. Looking back, I can see that even these quiet years were preparing me for what was to come.
The Turning Point (2021-2023)
Creativity4Kids was founded with a desire to nurture children's creativity and confidence through art. While this season brought deep joy and unexpected growth, it also became the place where God gently redirected my heart, revealing that my gift was not simply to teach art, but to create it as a visual witness to His glory.
A Watershed Moment
While reproducing an ancient icon of Christ and His friend, I found myself captivated by the rich history of Christian art and its place within the life of the Church. Through this commission, together with a vivid dream and a confirming word from the Lord, I discovered a calling that would forever reshape the direction of my work.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
This painting became the cornerstone of the journey I continue to walk today.
