The Journey
When I (Ryan) first opened the doors to my gallery on the 7th of July 2012, I certainly had no clue what I was doing. I had no clue where the journey would take me and for how long it would last. All I knew is that I had escaped working for a boss and that was good enough for me. However, the reality started setting in with no financial guarantees, a wife to look after and my 1 and a half month old son to take care of. Enthusiasm and excitement soon turned into fear and all I could do was put my faith and trust into God alone. There were some scary moments and what I thought I knew about business, I soon learned that experiencing things practically are far more real and educational than planning your business on a piece of paper. The lessons came thick and fast and through the years I learned a lot about business and life in general. Most importantly though, I have learned to trust God through both the good and the bad. I still remain a student, slightly wiser, but still so unqualified in so many ways. I have had the great privilege of working with some of South Africa’s most talented artists, partnering with some for a season and making really good friends along the way. I worked with Harry Erasmus for over 2 years, sharing premises in my gallery and becoming close good friends with one of South Africa’s most creative artists. I now have the privilege of sharing that same premises with friend and artist Nico le Roux, who after working for the Police for 18 years became a full time artist in March of 2018. These are just some of the creatives, risk takers and friends I have had the privilege of working with. There were times I thought the journey would only last a few months and here I am 6 years later. I am humbled and so grateful to each and every client who has spent their hard earned cash at The Winelands Art Gallery. Not only have you supported my business, but you have supported our artists who create each day at the risk of criticism, rejection and failure. Today on the 7th of July 2018, six years after the gallery opened its doors I would like to thank each and every client from the bottom of my heart for supporting my business. I would also like to thank each artist that has at some point journeyed with the Winelands Art Gallery and those that still continue to work with me for entrusting your most precious creative expressions to The Winelands Art Gallery. Most importantly, thank you God for taking us all this far. Long may this journey continue!