Women of Parys: Three Artists Shaping Creativity, Culture and Community
Every work of art tells a story. Sometimes it’s the story captured on a canvas, shaped in clay or written across the pages of a book. At other times, it’s the story of the artist whose experiences, passions and perseverance brought that creation to life.
As Parys celebrates Women’s Month and its 150th anniversary, it’s also a fitting time to celebrate the women whose creativity continues to enrich the cultural heart of the town. Artists do far more than create beautiful objects. They preserve history, inspire conversation, encourage creativity and help visitors experience a destination in a way that no brochure ever could.
Among those helping shape the artistic identity of Parys are ceramic artist Rika Senekal, author Zelda Bezuidenhout and visual artist Mandie von Maltitz. Although each works in a different medium, they are united by a shared passion for creativity and a deep appreciation for the place they call home.
Inspired by Nature
For ceramic artist Rika Senekal, inspiration begins outdoors.
Growing up in the Kopjeskraal area near Parys gave her an appreciation for nature that still influences every piece she creates today. Surrounded by the landscapes of the Vredefort Dome from an early age, she developed a deep respect for both the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
That connection is reflected throughout her work, particularly in her distinctive ceramic pieces inspired by indigenous fynbos, proteas and South Africa’s rich botanical heritage.
Her artistic style wasn’t developed overnight. Years of experimenting with different techniques, glazing methods and firing processes allowed her own creative voice to evolve naturally. Today, her handcrafted ceramics can be found in galleries across South Africa, yet she remains grateful every time someone chooses to take one of her pieces home.
For Rika, success isn’t measured only by exhibitions or sales. Sometimes it’s as simple as opening the kiln after a firing and discovering that a carefully crafted vase or bowl has emerged exactly as she imagined. Those moments continue to remind her why she fell in love with ceramics in the first place.
The Courage to Begin Again
While Rika tells stories through clay, Zelda Bezuidenhout tells them through words.
Before becoming an acclaimed author, Zelda spent many years working in advertising. Eventually she realised it was time for a new chapter and, in her mid-fifties, she made the bold decision to pursue writing full time.
Her journey is a reminder that dreams don’t come with an expiry date.
Many of Zelda’s novels explore characters who don’t quite fit in. It’s a theme she understands personally, describing herself as someone who has always felt a little different. Rather than avoiding those experiences, she uses them to create authentic characters and stories that resonate deeply with readers.
Her writing routine is as unique as her stories. She often wakes long before sunrise, writes for several hours while the rest of the world is still asleep and then returns to the day after a short rest. At other times, inspiration leads her to spend entire days writing uninterrupted.
Each year she also retreats to a remote mountain cottage with only her dog for company, creating the quiet space needed for new stories to emerge.
Her advice to anyone thinking it’s too late to follow a dream is refreshingly honest.
The right opportunity doesn’t always arrive at twenty-five. Sometimes it comes decades later. What matters is having the courage to take that first step when the time is right.
Sharing Creativity with Others
For artist and art teacher Mandie von Maltitz, creativity has always been part of life.
She began drawing before she even started school and later graduated Cum Laude in Fine Arts from Stellenbosch University, an achievement that gave her the confidence to build a career as a professional artist.
Today, her work ranges from landscapes and portraits to marine life and still life paintings, all inspired by the beauty she finds in everyday moments. As an Impressionist, she is fascinated by the way light transforms a landscape, a face or an ordinary object into something extraordinary.
While creating art remains central to her career, teaching has become equally important.
Mandie believes creativity is something everyone needs. She sees art not only as a skill, but as a valuable outlet for the body, mind and soul. Through her classes for children and adults, she encourages others to discover abilities they often never realised they had.
Watching someone’s confidence grow as they complete a painting or sketch is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
She believes every person has creative potential. Sometimes they simply need someone to encourage them to take the first step.
Creating the Character of Parys
Although their creative paths differ, all three women share a strong connection to Parys.
For Rika, the Vredefort Dome’s landscapes and indigenous flora continue to inspire her ceramics.
For Zelda, the peaceful rhythm of the Vaal River, the call of the fish eagle and the colourful characters of a small town provide the perfect environment for writing.
For Mandie, Parys’ historic streets, unique buildings, welcoming people and thriving restaurant culture offer endless inspiration for her paintings.
They also believe local artists play an important role in the future of the town.
Art reflects the character of a destination. It gives visitors something authentic to experience while supporting local businesses, galleries, markets and tourism. Every painting, ceramic piece or book purchased becomes part of Parys’ story while helping sustain the people who continue creating it.
Celebrating Women Who Create
Women’s Month is a celebration of resilience, creativity and the many ways women contribute to their communities.
Rika Senekal captures the beauty of nature in handcrafted ceramics inspired by the landscapes of the Vredefort Dome. Zelda Bezuidenhout reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue a lifelong dream, while Mandie von Maltitz encourages people of all ages to embrace their own creativity through art and self-expression.
Together, these remarkable women represent the richness of Parys’ creative community. Through ceramics, literature and visual art, they preserve stories, celebrate the beauty of the region and inspire others to see the world through a different lens.
As Parys celebrates 150 years, their work reminds us that art is far more than something to admire. It tells the story of a place, reflects its people and creates lasting connections between visitors and the town itself.
Whether you leave Parys with a handcrafted ceramic piece, a signed novel, an original painting or simply a renewed appreciation for local creativity, you’ll take home something far more valuable than a souvenir. You’ll carry with you a small piece of Parys’ artistic heart.
