About

Isla was born on 27th January 1962 in Zimbabwe and was raised on a farm, where her love for nature developed at a very young age. During her high school years, Isla realised that among academics and sports, art was by far her favourite subject. After leaving school, Isla studied textile design and applied arts in Bulawayo, and then moved down to Capetown to study interior design at “ The Whitehouse “ in Rondebosch. Having received awards in both fields, Isla entered the design industry in Capetown. Isla and her family moved up to Jwaneng in Botswana, where she designed and painted table cloths, cushion covers and T-shirts. Much of her inspiration was drawn from memorable holidays spent in the Okavango. The family returned to S.A and lived briefly in Rustenburg and Steelpoort, where Isla’s husband was diagnosed with Motorneurone Disease, which necessitated a move to Johannesburg for medical reasons.  In Johannesburg, Isla returned to the design industry, specialising in designer kitchens, bars, cigar lounges and dressing rooms, working with clientele, both locally and up into Africa. Isla was involved in design, sales, marketing and project management. After much encouragement from her daughter Meghan, Isla moved to Hoedspruit in April 2019 where she worked briefly in the hospitality industry. Isla joined the Warren Cary Art Workshops in October 2019, where she was introduced to the pastel pencil medium. Isla is now a full time artist who is exploring her creativity and passion for art and wildlife.