A column in which Marzanne Slabbert explores the enigmatic fusion of faith and art in South Africa. Join her on an artistic journey and explore the many ways in which God is using the visual arts!
It was a quiet weekday morning when I first met Nickey Ras — vibrant yet calm, warm and welcoming yet shy, colourful. That is how I remember Nickey in her cosy garden cottage in Bloemfontein.
From her first “Welcome,” I sensed something mysterious about her. Instinctively, I knew what the mystery was: she had been with the King that morning and met with Him regularly and intimately. She didn’t just know of Jesus; she knew Jesus!
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Her voice was soft and soothing, filled with love. Nickey was in awe of the Lord, and this reverence was evident in her gestures and the way she spoke. She was commissioned to love on His sheep — a role she takes very seriously.
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That day, and for several Thursday mornings after that, I was fortunate enough to be one of those sheep. I found green pastures within the walls of her home. It was as though every word she spoke was carefully refined before it was uttered, infused with the very breath of God.
I’d like you to meet this precious artist too, and I hope you will look her up and attend one of her retreats or workshops to experience His presence in a new, refreshing way. This is Nickey Ras…
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A legacy worth leaving
“I desire that everyone I encounter will be drawn into a deeper intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Years ago, I had a dream where I was walking hunched over on the road, carrying a large, heavy bag of sand draped over my shoulder and back — it felt like a burden. As I walked, I reached into the bag, took a handful of sand, and scattered it on the road. The moment I sowed the sand, it turned into pearls. The Lord revealed to me that He would turn the burdensome moments and the sands of time in the long, waiting seasons of my life into His pearls of purpose and fullness. He beautifies all things. I hope that my life will release and leave behind His pearls of glory on the hearts of those I touch.” Nickey says this is the legacy she wants to leave.
Back to where it all began
“I met Jesus when I was 11 years old (when my dad was radically born again because, by grace, my mom interceded for years at his bedside when he was not home) and have walked with Him ever since.”
After high school, Nickey felt a strong calling from the Lord to pursue theology and ministry to equip herself for His purposes. Despite being encouraged by a teacher to study graphic design, after recognising her artistic talent, she placed God first and developed her artistic skills on the side.
“I worked with teenagers and youth for many years. I started working at Creare (a training centre in the arts, worship and ministry in Bloemfontein) in 1996, where I helped to pioneer the dance and art academies. As head for the Art and Word Academies at Creare, I’ve administrated, taught, and trained children and adults in the creative arts and Word school (worship, missions, prophetic, and the Word). In 2005, I was ordained as a pastor.”
To her surprise, God then sent her to Russia for five years and later to pioneer the Creare School of Ministry through the Arts. She describes her Russian time as the highlight of her life. “It was life-changing! Russia and its people are deep in my heart!”
A new season
“After over 31 years of ministry in Bloemfontein, I moved to Mossel Bay to embrace a new, faith-filled chapter of my life, walking daily with God. I now run a small art school, With Me Art Academy, where I use art as a means to minister to people’s hearts and refresh their souls. In addition, I lead a women’s ministry called Breathe in Mossel Bay, which is a monthly evening gathering for women aged 14 and up, offering encouragement, ministry, and fellowship. Another branch of the ministry, BreatheTRUTH, is a monthly Bible study for women, and this year we began with a focus on the Holy Spirit. I also host Breathe ini BRANDERS, a fun and uplifting time for women to bodyboard together in the waves. Moreover, I organise Be Still Retreats for women, which are especially close to my heart. From October 2021 to September 2024, I have led 16 retreats across KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Free State, and the Garden Route. These retreats are a profound blessing, and I am always deeply moved by God’s presence during them.”
Nickey says
Considering art, faith, and the burning issues at hand, Nickey says: “Do not act as the world does. Only follow the true Holy Spirit and stay obedient to the Word of God. Do not be deceived. Our art should reflect our Christ and the Truth, not us. Do not live for the applause and acknowledgment of man, but live for the honour of God. Stay humble. In simplicity, present and give your talents and gifts. Do not get lost in the social media jungle of comparison, strife, and performance — the overwhelming burdensome knowledge of what other artists are doing that engulf, terrify, and try to nullify your own efforts.”
A motto to imitate
“If others can do it, I can do it … how hard can it be? Lord, what do you say?”
The prophetic, art, and process
“Each time is different. I don’t have a set approach; my focus is always on my relationship with the Holy Spirit — listening and following His lead. Once, during worship, I spontaneously danced as an expression of my worship to God. As I moved, my actions began to convey a prophetic message. Afterwards, I wrote down the movements and their meanings and continued to pray over them. Months later, I painted it. Another time, I was doing art during a worship service at church. While the preacher was delivering his sermon, he mentioned a specific Scripture. As he spoke, I saw the entire Scripture in a picture. The following Sunday, I began painting it. Worship often inspires me. I do my best drawing and painting during worship. When I don’t know how to draw or paint something, I pray in tongues, and the Holy Spirit always comes through. He is the best Teacher.”
A specific piece of her art that has a significant prophetic message and personal meaning for her:
“My first lion drawing was an assignment to express a characteristic of Jesus. I chose the Lion. Jesus is the Highest Authority. After that, I had dreams and encounters with Jesus, the King of Kings.”
Her purpose:
To know Him and make Him known.
Philippians 3:10
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [[b]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death.
From a young age, I was drawn to intimacy with God. To worship God was my ultimate joy. As a teenager, I would lock myself in my room, praising and worshiping Him. I would lie on my carpet and just sing to Him. I love loving the Lord. At a time, God told me: Tell them of My love. I am passionate for people to connect with God — to grow in understanding, love, surrender, and obedience to Him. I love to draw people to the Beloved of our hearts, Jesus.
Upcoming retreats and workshops:
- Continuous: Art Workshops in Mossel Bay
Kuns Sinoniem Kronkelroetes deur Eden - Breathe: Nov 5; 3 Dec 3
- BreatheTRUTH: Oct 22; 19 Nov 19
- Breathe ini BRANDERS: Oct 26; Nov 16; 23 Nov 23; during the holiday
- Nov 1-3: Be Still Retreat at Carmel in Victoria Bay
To book, or for more info: 082 303 5283
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