My first encounter with Peter Jonas’s art was during my first visit to Cape Town in 1995. I’ve always been drawn to murals and often photograph them, so when I stumbled upon a beautiful mural depicting what became ‘my’ Table mountain, the ocean, and a face adorned with the colors of the South African flag, I was captivated. The peaceful energy of the scene stayed with me.
Later that week, at a dinner party, I couldn’t help but mention this stunning mural. As I described it, someone at the other end of the table said, ‘I painted that mural.’ That someone was Peter Jonas. We hadn’t even officially met yet! To my surprise, Peter later created a smaller version of that mural for me. The painting, which loosely translates as ‘Be Still Cape Town Listen to Your Heart,’ has hung proudly in my living room ever since. The name of the piece perfectly reflects how it feels to me—like the still peace of a heartbeat.
What I find equally impressive about Peter is that he is not just a talented artist but also an inspiring educator. Over the years, he has worked on collaborative pedagogical projects with large groups of participants, encompassing people of diverse age works and abilities. His ability to creative engage diverse people are truly remarkable. As an educator myself, I admire the various ways he teaches through his art, engaging with people in a way that brings out their own creativity.
I believe that Peter’s ability to work with such diverse groups may be why his art speaks so profoundly to the heart. His work doesn’t just capture attention—it tells a story, evokes emotion, and reflects his unique perspective. It’s this depth, along with his well-rounded talents, that makes his art so special. I am honored to know him as both an artist and a friend