Anja Taschner

So the story goes …

Awoken into a life of growing colours …

After absolving Matric at the Deutsche Schule Pretoria, Anja left for travels in Europe, 2003. A collection of drawings were brought back to South Africa, in hope of finding space to paint these on large scale. Months later the paintings of the ‘Mosadi Collection’ were exhibited in Johannesburg, May 2004. Taschner’s first solo exhibition.

In between studio work and travels Anja performs on stage with her father, Ludwig Taschner, ‘South Africa’s Rose Guru’, who lectures on roses. These paintings are all impromptu-travelling art. She also performed with folk musician ‘Anika‘ throughout South Africa.

Taschner then visited the U.S.A. end 2004, to broaden her vision in the arts (also simply because she loves the broad horizons of travelling). There she sold some paintings and worked closely with children and started her new project: ‘Zazi’s Garden Marvel’. ‘Zazi’s Garden Marvel’ is an illustrated children’s book, published in July 2005.

Whilst busy writing and illustrating the book, she worked on another project: ‘African Beauties 2006′. It is a calendar, featuring artworks by Anja Taschner, published by ‘Africa in Camera’, now known as Caleka. The calendar launched 7 April 2005 at Gardenex.

Taschner joined the family business, Ludwig’s Roses, in 2006. This is when she finally understood what passion and obsession really mean; the rose has fully flowered in her life. Breeding roses (creating novelties)  is her main occupation. The selecting and overseeing  production of  dahlias and PixiePotRoses also fall under her domain. Marketing & show staging was an obvious ‘add on’.

Anja is currently studying Horticulture at Unisa – whilst still working  at Ludwig’s Roses.

Anja & her sister, Heike, opened their joint rose boutique, ‘Thorns & Things‘ in 2007 on the rose farm. This little venture has taken both on interesting roads. From developing rose products such as Linen Mist, Hand Cream, Rose Jam, Liqueur…..you name it – we’ve got it; to searching around the world for different rose fragrances, ideas and fashions.

In May 2010 their first joint book – still a secret – but obviously centred around the rose, will appear.

And somewhere there must be time to love and dance and paint. These paintings will appear on this site as they evolve.

As a young artist with many challenges ahead, she continues to believe!

Born 16 February 1984, Pretoria, S.A.