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Gerda van Biljon |
Born & raised in Cape Town South Africa, this brown eyed brunette has been passionate about life since the day she came into this world. Born as a premature baby, only big enough to fit into a size 10 shoe box, she was determined to live up to the saying: “Dynamite comes in small packages”. From an early age she has proven to be very independent or headstrong as her family would say. Never the less a quality that has shaped her to become a person that never gives up, who enjoys life for its beauty and flaws. Someone who rises to the challenge, strives for excellence, and appreciates the little things in life.
The middle child of a family of five (an older sister, Elsabé, and a younger brother, Riaan) she grew up surrounded by music. With uncles and aunts that would sing songs in 4 part harmony during Christmas time and cousins singing A Capella while doing the dishes, it's not hard to imagine where this love of music grew from. Singing in church since the age of 8 and playing the guitar since the age of 13, Gerda had no formal musical training. Though she sang in the choir in both Primary and High School, she never mastered the art of reading sheet music. Playing by ear has become her biggest ally - a true gift from God; one that for her, surpasses all understanding. ”Some people dream dreams, I hear music” a phenomena that has inspired many a song & close harmony.
Besides music, drawing is another passion she pursued ever since she can remember! Always scribbling away on any piece of paper she could find, this past-time turned into a life long dream. Graduating from High school in 1992 she went on to study Graphic design at the Cape Town University of Technology, graduating in 1995, majoring in Illustration & Photography (ND in Graphic Design). From there she accepted an assistant position in the Photographic Department, teaching basic photography to 1st year Design students. During this time she also completed her (NHD in Graphic Design (1997)), specializing in Children’s book illustration. In 1999 she moved to the USA for 2 years, a time which both spiritually & creatively was a turning point in her life. She returned in 2001 and shifted focus from advertising into fashion.
Today she is a qualified Graphic & Textile Designer, designing fabric for a major Fashion design house. Though the hours are sometimes long, the creative journey is the reward. “God has blessed me with so much to be inspired by: my family, my friends, my dog and the people I’ve met over the years in everyday life". “If Life is a song, then its one that never runs out of verses. You might repeat the chorus every now and then, but the verses never stay the same“. As the latest member of Voices for Christ, I am blessed to have had this opportunity to record an album with 5 amazing women. I hope that the album will change the hearts & minds of people that listen to it.
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