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!
In a world where the lines between faith and profession often seem blurred, Rejeanne Dippenaar, an optometrist in Worcester, has found a unique way to blend her professional skills with her spiritual calling. Her practice is not just a place where people come to improve their physical vision; it’s a sanctuary where they can encounter the divine through the transformative power of prophetic art.
A journey of faith and vision
Rejeanne’s journey into optometry began in an unexpected way. As a matriculant in Pretoria in 1990, she struggled to find her career path. After numerous attempts to discover her future profession, she felt lost— until her mother suggested she visit her optometrist. This simple suggestion became a pivotal moment in her life. “I loved the idea of working with people in a medical field, in a clean environment, but with better hours if ever I wanted to have time available for my children one day,” Rejeanne recalls. It was more than just a career choice; it was an opportunity to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands!
Despite the challenges of gaining admission into the optometry programme at RAU (now the University of Johannesburg), Rejeanne remained steadfast in her belief that if this was God’s will for her, He would open the door. And He did — just in time, confirming that this was the path she was meant to walk.
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Over the years, Rejeanne has come to see her practice as a ministry, a place where she can serve not only with her skills as an optometrist but also with her heart as a follower of Christ. This perspective has profoundly shaped her approach to patient care, particularly as she began incorporating prophetic art into her practice.
The Intersection of art and healing
The idea of integrating prophetic art into her optometry practice was born out of a season of seeking and listening to God. In 2021, after her husband sold their citrus farm, Rejeanne took time to sit at the Lord’s feet, asking if she should continue in the field of optometry. The answer came slowly but surely, with confirmation after confirmation, leading her to open her own practice in Worcester.
As she planned her new practice, Rejeanne felt a strong prompting from the Lord to use art in the space—not just any art, but art that carried a prophetic message. It was during this time that she discovered the work of Ilse Kleyn, an artist known for her prophetic pieces that depict the eyes of the four living creatures from Ezekiel 1. “I kept getting images of animal eyes in my mind,” Rejeanne explains. “At first, I wondered why the Lord was showing me this, but when I saw Ilse’s paintings, it was like a Rhema word to me — I immediately knew this was it.”
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Ilse, who had been contemplating the theme of the four living creatures for years, found that the timing was perfect. “Sometimes ABBA Father just puts a topic in my heart and it matures over time,” she says. “I wanted to do something different that highlighted the ‘eyes’ of these creatures, as described in the Bible. When Rejeanne contacted me about purchasing the paintings for her practice, I was blown away. It made so much sense—God’s timing is always perfect.”
For Rejeanne, the inclusion of Ilse’s artwork in her practice is more than just a decorative choice; it’s a statement of faith and a tool for ministry. The paintings, which depict the eyes of the four living creatures, serve as a reminder of God’s omnipresence and His protective nature. “Through my whole life, it was always an immense source of security for me to know that my Heavenly Father has got my back,” Rejeanne shares. “These artworks remind me and my patients that God is watching over us, that He sees us and knows us intimately.”
Rejeanne is passionate about her practice being a place of both physical and spiritual healing. “This practice will not only provide people with excellent eye care at prices they can afford, but it will also be a place where God can use me for the vision He wants people to see for their lives. I want to be an anchor of hope, to listen to people not only with my ears but also with my heart,” she says.
The impact of the artwork on the practice’s atmosphere has been profound. Patients often comment on the sense of peace and calm they feel when they enter the space. Rejeanne has even printed small color leaflets explaining the meaning behind the artwork, which she places in the waiting area. “It’s fantastic to see people carrying these home and even opening up discussions where hope is needed,” she adds.
Prophetic art in the marketplace
Rejeanne’s integration of prophetic art into her practice is part of a broader movement to bring faith into the marketplace. She believes that God’s anointing is not limited to traditional ministry roles but extends to every area of life, including business and healthcare. “In today’s life, people are very careful not to step on toes,” she says. “But I believe God gives us the courage to stand boldly in the world. It is there where He needs us to be His hands, feet, eyes, and ears to serve His people.”
For those considering incorporating faith or prophetic art into their work, Rejeanne offers simple yet profound advice: “It starts with a personal relationship with the King. Surrendering your whole life also means surrendering your business and finances to Him. In the end, He is the giver of everything we know and what we own. Our sole purpose is to use this wherever He guides.”
Ilse echoes this sentiment, emphasising that prophetic art is a powerful tool for ministry, even in the marketplace. “Prophetic art doesn’t need words, language, or interpretation. Anyone can see a picture, and it can minister to them on their level,” she says. “It’s about creating space for God to work, to speak to people’s hearts through the visual language of art.”
A vision for the Future
Looking ahead, both Rejeanne and Ilse are excited about the potential for further collaborations that blend art, faith, and professional practice. Rejeanne is particularly inspired by the growing interest in Kingdom Art and sees it as a vital part of her holistic approach to healthcare. “We are created not only with a physical body but also with a soul and spirit that can’t be separated,” she says. “As primary healthcare practitioners in optometry, we often have the opportunity to see physical problems that are connected to deeper spiritual or emotional issues. Prophetic art helps to address these needs in a way that is both subtle and powerful.”
Ilse, too, is open to new opportunities to bring her art into different professional fields. “It’s amazing to see how God uses art to touch lives in ways we might not even imagine,” she says. “I’m always excited to see where He leads next.”
In a world that often compartmentalises faith, Rejeanne and Ilse’s partnership is a testament to the power of integrating Kingdom principles into every aspect of life. Their work together is not just about improving physical vision — it’s about helping people see the world, and their lives, through the eyes of faith.
Discover more
Click here to learn more about the the significance and symbolism in Ilse Kleyn’s “four living creatures’ artwork displayed in Rejeanne’s practice.
Visit Rejeanne Dippenaar Optometrists: Shop 30, Q-Square, Worcester CBD
View more of Ilse Kleyn’s artwork, visit www.artofkleyn.co.za.
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