Now, as she prepares to co-host her first-ever workshop with her mom, Kim Black, at The Deckle Edge, it’s clear that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Kim’s creative magic has undoubtedly been sprinkled on Olivia, and together, they radiate an infectious joy that makes you want to orbit around them. With their vibrant energy, boundless creativity, and a touch of that indescribable it-factor, Olivia shares her love for bold colours, the beauty of happy accidents in painting, and why pink might just be the new black.
Deckle: From Law to Art—What Made You Take the Leap?
You studied law at Stellenbosch, but art was clearly calling you. What was the moment that made you decide to leave law behind and fully commit to painting?
Olivia: I decided to pursue law because I loved the idea of being able to help people in some way and I believe that the law can be a fundamental tool to bring change and alleviate hardship. However, two years into my studies I realised that if my goal is to bring joy and uplift others, I can do that by pursuing my passion and using my art to help bring about change. This decision to pursue my passion after a total 4 years of studying, was not a decision that I made lightly but it was definitely a decision that has felt so right for me. After investing time and effort into growing my art business alongside my legal studies, it felt like a whole world of opportunity opened up for me. My social media platform has shown me that anyone has the power to bring about change and you don’t need a “fancy law degree” in order to do that. From my art sales, I’ve been able to support projects such as the “koppie sop” initiative that helps provide the Mannenburg community with hot meals in times of need. I’ve always loved the idea of having the flexibility to pursue and execute my own projects and ideas. Ultimately, as much as law interested me – I felt like I needed to take the leap of faith and create something of my own. As much as I love painting and being a creative, my ultimate goal with my art business is to grow it into something much bigger. To create a business model where I can collaborate with others, support non- profit organisations ( such as “koppie sop”) , and ultimately bring some joy through my colourful art (because I feel the world needs more joy) is definitely my bigger goal.
I am a firm believer in the idea that we must chase what excites us. I think that pursuing your passion is a real privilege and if you are in a position to do so, you must grab hold of that little fire inside you and run with it. When we pursue the thing that brings us joy, we create this beautiful ripple effect where we inspire others to do the same. It has been so encouraging for me to see how people resonate with my decision to “chase my dreams” and to know that I have, in some way, inspired others to do the same… has been the most rewarding feeling.
Deckle: Like Mother, Like Daughter—What’s It Like Working With Your Mom?
Your mom, Kim Black, is an incredible artist. In what ways has she influenced your work? Would you say your artistic styles are similar or completely different? Also, you’re co-hosting an art workshop together for the first time—what’s it like working with her? Be honest—does she boss you around, or is it more of a creative collaboration?
Olivia: I’ve often had people ask me if it feels like I’m “living in my mom’s shadow” because she is absolutely incredible and has created such an incredible community on both Instagram and the real world 😉 To that, I simply say “ no, I feel like I’m living in her sunlight”. She has this profound way of making people see their worth and their potential. She has undoubtedly been my biggest inspiration. To witness how she is rapidly growing in her success as an artist has shown me that pursuing your passion is powerful. For the longest time, I adored painting portraits ( whereas my mom focuses on painting blooms) so I would say our styles differed in that regard. However, I have loved painting florals lately and am definitely inspired by the “free” feeling in her pieces.
We definitely are both colour lovers so we are similar in that sense! It overflows into everything in our life- whether it be wearing red lipstick or dressing in bright colours!
Hahahaha- I do love working with my mom! We have worked on a few collaborative pieces together where we stand side by side and let loose on the canvas. It’s always very interesting to create a piece together because we often have different visions of the piece in our head …but mom always says that when you’re working together it’s about “creative compromise”. When we are working together, although there might be times when she’s a bit bossy haha, we always create something that we are both proud of which is honestly, the most important thing. My approach to painting is definitely a more “just go with it and see what happens” approach, whereas she is more methodical and strategic with her brush strokes. She has definitely taught me that there is room for creative planning as well as free flowing artistic intuition! So yes, she’s definitely taught me that it’s helpful to be intentional about your approach to an art piece and I have found it really interesting how much theory and method there is behind the “colourful madness”.
Deckle: Your Work Radiates Joy—Why Is Colour So Important to You?
Your art is bursting with colour, especially pinks and bright hues. What is it about vibrant colours that excites you, and how do you choose your colour palettes? Also, for people who feel nervous about being ‘bad’ at painting, what advice would you give them?
Olivia: For me, colour is one of the most important parts ( if not the most important part) of an artwork. Colour has so much feeling and depth and I am obsessed with the science behind different colours. I was ( and still am) obsessed with the colour pink ( I even used to have pink hair). I did so much research about it and found that pink reduces aggression and makes someone appear more approachable. I think the psychology behind colour is so fascinating and colour really does hold so much emotional power! Someone once told me that their mom would always tell them to wear pink if they’re about to head into a situation of conflict …because the pink will immediately disarm a person and bring a calmness. I thought that was so cute!
When it comes to choosing a colour palette, I always gravitate towards a few essential colours : pink, chartreuse, turquoise, Lumo orange, Fluro red , and deep blue. I’ve found that these colours are just my recipe for a JOUFUL artwork!
I often try to force my friends to paint with me haha and they often say “noooo Liv but I’m so bad”. To that, I always just reiterate that ( like anything) painting is a skill that requires practise and patience. I think there is a misconception that some people are “naturally gifted” with a painting ability. While I understand that some people may pick up the skill with more ease or have a natural inclination to want to paint… I think it’s important to recognise that it is something that can be learnt. There are a million things I’m terrible at but I’m a firm believer that you really can teach yourself anything ( our brains are ridiculously powerful).
I know it sounds cheesy to say…but the wonderful thing about painting is that the final product you produce is only one small aspect of the magical process. Painting has a plethora of benefits. It helps alleviate stress and anxiety, improves memory, releases endorphins and assists with problem solving! So when someone is nervous to try painting because they’re “bad” at painting, I’d just encourage them to redefine how they view the artistic process ! Sometimes it’s helpful to shift your focus away from the final product and more so onto what you can take away from the journey to the final product ( if that makes sense). Also, everyone has to start somewhere! I’ve created sooooo much “bad” art in my lifetime but they were all essential stepping stones to help get me to a place where I can create pieces I am proud of. You can’t let the fear of creating something “ugly” stop you from trying! So yes, don’t expect yourself to suddenly become an expert at something you’ve never tried before! Just take the pressure off and enjoy the act of creating…because for me, the process really is the most exciting part!
Deckle: Your Favourite Deckle Edge Finds & Artist Tips
The Deckle Edge has been a go-to spot for your art supplies—what are some of your favourite products to buy from us? Are there any must-have art supplies you swear by? And do you have any top tips for fellow artists when it comes to materials or creative techniques?
Olivia: I absolutely love Prime Art Iris Acrylic paints from the Deckle Edge! My favourite colours from this range are : Fluro rose, Fluro Red, Lumo orange , Chartreuse, lilac, Rose Madder, Crimson, Turquoise , Aqua Marine and Sage (to name a few)! My mom has also mixed the two colours : Botanical bliss and Floral Coral which go perfectly with the aforementioned colours!
I think a top tip I would give is to always try find as many colours as you can within the subject matter you are painting! It might at face value look like just “one colour” but if you look closely there are always little specs of colour within that one area! To be able to enhance those little specs and emphasise them in your work will often elevate the whole piece! You can simply add some white paint to a colour and with it, create so many different shades ! But honestly my main tip is just to EXPERIMENT and play! There are a million different ways you can create something beautiful so there really is no one way of doing something!
Deckle: Turning Passion Into a Career
Building a creative career takes courage! What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of turning your passion into a business? Where do you see your art career in five years, and what’s one dream project you’d love to work on?
Olivia: The most rewarding part of pursuing my art career has been the support I have received. I love that people have motivated and encouraged me to do what I love. I feel like I’ve really been so honoured to have witnessed the most wholesome side of humanity! I’m only 22 years old so I feel like I’m still a little baby…but this lady in her 60s messaged me to say I inspire her and wow…to be able to have that impact on someone is really just AMAZING for me. I’m part of the Allan Gray foundation and have had the privilege to be taught business skills and be surrounded by so many entrepreneurs! Because of this, I’ve grown to love the business aspect of my art career. I’ll often hear artists say they just want to paint in their studio, but for me I loooooove the business side of things and honestly find it to sometimes be the thing I love most about pursuing my creative goals.
My goal for the next 5 years is to of course, keep growing my art business. I want to collaborate with more brands, perhaps delve more into working with fashion brands to fuse art, colour and fashion! I also want to invest more time in a non- profit organisation where I can perhaps share some business skills or art therapy ( I’m not entirely sure yet how I want to achieve this but definitely a huge goal of mine…if I’m dreaming BIG…is to create my own non-profit where I can encourage people to pursue their creativity). I have so many ideas and things I want to do such as releasing a colouring in book, online tutorials, perhaps a clothing line of my own with funky art designs as well as cute tote bags! I feel like the possibilities are endless and sometimes it’s overwhelming because the creative world really does offer so much! I think for now, I am just focusing on working on what’s right in front of me….otherwise I tend to get lost in all my ideas haha!
A dream project would be to do a huge mural! I would love to create a huge impactful art piece in a space!
In celebration of Mother’s May, we’re giving away two tickets to Floral Fusion with Kim & Olivia Black! To enter, simply purchase either of the two Iris Acrylics colours Kim Black helped create—Botanical Bliss or Floral Coral—and you’ll be entered into a lucky draw. Learn more
Explore Olivia Black’s world of creativity, shop her prints, or commission your own colourful capsule of joy at www.oliviablackart.com, and follow her artistic journey on Instagram @olivia.black.art