Artist Bio
Jonanda Kannemeyer is a South African Botanical Artist and Illustrator based in Blouberg, near Cape Town. With a background in Graphic Design and Animation, her work is characterized by intricate details and creative storytelling. Passionate about sharing the beauty of nature and capturing the wonder of light, colour, and tone in fleeting moments, Jonanda hopes to share beauty and wonder through her art.
She also has a passion for wholesome stories and beautifully illustrated Picture Books. Her most recent work includes a 20x Illustrated Children's Bible Story Series. She is currently working on her own small Picture Book named "The Squirrel and the Star".
Working primarily in Watercolour, Pen & Ink, Coloured Pencils, and Digital Media, she shares her creative journey and stories on Instagram: @Kingdom.Illustrations & @Kingdom.Storybooks )
Art Education & Affiliates
Jonanda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Graphics (majoring in Graphic Design & Illustration) from the University of Stellenbosch in 2000 and an Animation Diploma from Boston Media House in Sandton in 2004.
She is a member of the Association of Botanical Artists (ABA) and served as part of their Education Team from January 2022 - March 2025. She is also a member of the Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa (BAASA) and part of the BAASA Cape Town Branch Committee since March 2025.
Artist Statement
My art is rooted in my love for nature and my desire to share its beauty in our fast-paced world. I am inspired by the Creator, pursuing realism to magnify the beauty and wonder of His works and all its intricate details. I aim to awaken a childlike wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world through my art.
Botanical art, to me, is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of life's cycles, reflecting on the fleeting and eternal, and connecting the human heart back to the Creator of it all. It also evokes emotions and memories, from recalling the scent of spring flowers in childhood, to celebrating life's golden moments with beautiful bouquets, comforting heavy hearts, and witnessing the mysterious splendour of wildflowers in bloom. One of my favourite art quotes is by Margaret Stevens: 'God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can.'
Botanical art, to me, is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of life's cycles, reflecting on the fleeting and eternal, and connecting the human heart back to the Creator of it all. It also evokes emotions and memories, from recalling the scent of spring flowers in childhood, to celebrating life's golden moments with beautiful bouquets, comforting heavy hearts, and witnessing the mysterious splendour of wildflowers in bloom. One of my favourite art quotes is by Margaret Stevens: 'God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can.'
Art Exhibitions
28 September - 6 October 2024
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
- Botanical Art & Photography Exhibition -
Curated by Karen Stewart
"Rockets After the Fire"
Watercolour on Paper
-SOLD -
Tectaria gemmifera (Snail Fern)
Archival Ink Drawing on Paper
-AVAILABLE-
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June 2024
SBA Plantae '24 Online
28 September - 6 October 2024
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
- Botanical Art & Photography Exhibition -
Curated by Karen Stewart
"Rockets After the Fire"
Watercolour on Paper
-SOLD -
Tectaria gemmifera (Snail Fern)
Archival Ink Drawing on Paper
-AVAILABLE-
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June 2024
SBA Plantae '24 Online
Society of Botanical Artists
*SELECTED - "Rockets After the Fire"
SBA AWARD: Exhibiting Excellence in Composition
Watercolour on Paper
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*SELECTED - "Rockets After the Fire"
SBA AWARD: Exhibiting Excellence in Composition
Watercolour on Paper
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October 2021 - March 2022
Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Kew Gardens, UK
Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Kew Gardens, UK
Association of Botanical Artists - Digital ‘Reflections’ exhibition supporting COP26
(Climate Change Summit) displayed on large format screen
at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Kew Gardens, UK.
*SELECTED - "On the Cutting Edge of Carbon Sequestration"
Watercolour on Paper
(Climate Change Summit) displayed on large format screen
at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Kew Gardens, UK.
*SELECTED - "On the Cutting Edge of Carbon Sequestration"
Watercolour on Paper
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2021
Online
David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 - Virtual Exhibition
* FINALIST - "Octopoda - Thousands of Tiny Dots"
Archival Ink on Paper
2021
Online
David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 - Virtual Exhibition
* FINALIST - "Octopoda - Thousands of Tiny Dots"
Archival Ink on Paper
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2020
Online
Association of Botanical Artist - Purely Botanical? ii - Virtual Exhibition
"Abutilon"
Archival Ink on Paper
2020
Online
Association of Botanical Artist - Purely Botanical? ii - Virtual Exhibition
"Abutilon"
Archival Ink on Paper
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2020
Online
Association of Botanical Artist - Purely Botanical? - Virtual Exhibition
"Blueberries"
Coloured Pencil on Paper
. . .
International & National Exhibition Design Projects
2014 - 2015
O.R. Tambo Narrative Centre Permanent Exhibition
Benoni, South Africa
Client: Memory Inc.
Creative Direction, Graphic Panels Design, Centre Logo Design & Web Design
O.R. Tambo Narrative Centre Permanent Exhibition
Benoni, South Africa
Client: Memory Inc.
Creative Direction, Graphic Panels Design, Centre Logo Design & Web Design
2014 - 2015
Unisa History Permanent Exhibition
Kgorong Building, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa
Client: Memory Inc.
Creative Direction, Graphic Panels Design, Interactive Touchscreen Design
2014 - 2015
Matola Raid Memorial
Matola Raid Interpretation Centre, Matola, Mozambique
Client: Memory Inc.
Creative Direction, Graphic Panels Design, Entrance Illustration, Interactive Touchscreen Design
2011 - 2014
Telkom 20: Exhibition
Telkom Headquarters, Pretoria, South Africa
Client: Memory Inc.
Creative Direction, Graphic Panels Design, Interactive Concept Design
2010
Kagiso Trust Memory Wall
Kagiso House Head Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
Client: Memory Inc.
Interactive Touchscreen Design
2008
South Africa Pavilion, World Expo
Zaragoza, Spain
Client: Kagiso Exhibitions
Interactive Touchscreen Design
2005
Unesco Africa World Heritage Exhibition
Durban International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa
Client: Kagiso Exhibitions
Interactive Touchscreen Design
2005
South Africa Pavilion, World Expo
Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Japan
Client: Sean Beldon / Kagiso Exhibitions
Large Format Backdrop Design
Quotes
"..whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
"God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can."
Margaret Stevens
(Former President of the Society of Botanical Artists)
"..whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
"God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can."
Margaret Stevens
(Former President of the Society of Botanical Artists)
"I am inspired by the Creator, pursuing realism to magnify the beauty and wonder of His Works and all its intricate details."
Jonanda Kannemeyer
Jonanda Kannemeyer
