Collection: Local Artists: Mark Van Vuuren

Mark van Vuuren was born in Klerksdorp. After matriculating, he moved to Pretoria to study teaching, though he did not complete the course. He later relocated to Johannesburg, where he began his career at Nedbank in the early 1980s. Mark lived and worked in Johannesburg until 2009, when he moved to Cape Town and pursued photography for a year.

He now works independently and resides in the Eastern Free State with his partner, Wendy. His journey into design began when he had his photographs printed on fabric by Print with Passion Décor. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought his photography work to a halt, he turned to design as a means to survive and support his household. Self-taught and determined, Mark began creating original designs, which were printed onto fabric and transformed into various home décor items—a practice that continues today.

What motivates Mark is the beauty and transformation that come with design—the thrill of seeing a concept come to life on a tablecloth or other décor piece. He often reflects on having discovered his passion later in life, wishing he had studied graphic design earlier. Yet he embraces the journey, believing it’s never too late to learn. Highly creative by nature, Mark finds immense joy in the artistic side of his work. Designing has become his passion and the most fulfilling path he has taken. Constantly exploring new techniques and ideas, he remains driven by a desire to refine his craft and stay creatively relevant.