Allison Pilling Biography

Allison Pilling is a passionate artist who believes in the power of art to connect, inspire, and transform spaces. Working primarily in oils, she explores themes of nature, energy, and balance, capturing movement, emotion, and the interplay of colour in her work.

Born in South Africa, her love for art began at school. While she initially pursued graphic design, she soon realised that her true passion lay in the creative freedom of fine art. A lifelong learner, she continually seeks to expand her artistic skills and knowledge through exploration, practice, and mentorship.

Her journey has been shaped by inspiring mentors, including Merle du Bois, Dee Venter, Hazel Thompson, and Michelle Kriek. She has refined her techniques through a variety of workshops, from palette knife painting with Sue Kemp to sculpture courses with Rosenclaire.

Now based in the Cape Winelands near Paarl, Allison draws inspiration from the landscape and the vibrant community of artists. Her work has been represented locally by Tugwell Gallery and Makiwa Gallery, and internationally in Paris. Today, she sells her pieces privately, through her website, exhibitions, and commissioned work.

Beyond creating her own art, Allison is committed to helping fellow artists gain visibility and build sustainable careers. She founded Butterfly Art Studio and Moai Artists Community to support talented, often unseen artists in mastering social media and expanding their reach using proven strategies thereby reducing trial and error.

Artist’s Statement

"Painting is my sanctuary—an immersive, meditative space where I disconnect from the outside world and become fully present in the creative process. With every brushstroke, I embrace the joy of bringing something new into existence, capturing the flow of energy, movement, and balance."