About

About Art4Heart – Meet Susan van Zyl

Art4Heart began in 2011 with five students and a simple purpose: to help people nurture their God-given creativity with confidence. What started as a small teaching space grew into a vibrant community of artists learning to create with skill, purpose, and faith.

The Journey from Classroom to Coast

For 15 years, I ran Art4Heart as a brick-and-mortar business in Gauteng, teaching art to around eighty students at its peak. It was a season of growth, connection, and countless breakthroughs—watching students discover their voice on canvas never gets old.

In August 2022, I moved to Gansbaai, a beautiful coastal town in the Western Cape. I tried to continue the in-person model here, but the reality was different. A physical studio didn’t work in this new setting—so I pivoted.

I took Art4Heart online.

And something unexpected happened: my business began to boom. The online space opened doors I hadn’t imagined—reaching artists far beyond Gansbaai, connecting with people who needed what I was offering, and allowing me to build a sustainable creative business from anywhere.

Building Community, Online & Off

While I’ve embraced the online world, I haven’t left the physical one behind. Since moving to Gansbaai, I have:

  • Hosted workshops at Die Bakhuis and the Penguin Sanctuary
  • Taught in artists’ homes around the area
  • Helped launch the Franskraal Art Route in 2024
  • Coached artists on using Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote their work and find their online voice

I love helping artists not only create beautiful work but also share it with the world.

Returning to My Own Art

One of the most meaningful shifts since going online is that I’ve started painting again—not just as a teacher, but as an artist.

I’ve stepped back into my own creative practice, exploring new techniques, experimenting, and making art for myself again. It’s been a deeply healing and joyful return.

You may also notice that I now sign my work C’zan. Why? Because there are so many Susan artists out there—and most of them sign the same way! I wanted a signature that felt distinctive, personal, and uniquely mine.

Rebuilding the Website

The Art4Heart website you’re visiting today has been rebuilt to reflect who I am and what I offer now. No more clutter. No more outdated content. Just a clear, honest space where artists can:

  • Explore online and offline workshops
  • Find ebooks and practical resources
  • Learn about prophetic art
  • Get real, practical advice for building a sustainable art practice

I rebuilt it to suit my needs—and yours.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re a beginner picking up a brush for the first time, or a seasoned artist looking for a fresh perspective, I’d love to hear from you.

📧 susan@art4heart.co.za
Follow me on social media for daily tips and inspiration.

Art4Heart is still about what it was in 2011: helping people nurture their God-given creativity with confidence. The format has changed. The heart hasn’t.

— Susan van Zyl (C’zan)

Susan van Zyl