From Cape Town to canvas: Dael Couturier’s life and art at 405 Inkerman Street
Dael Couturier’s childhood memories are saturated in colour. Underneath the deep blue sky of South Africa lay safaris of golden lions and women walking the streets in bright red dresses. For the last 30 years, while living at 405 Inkerman Street, Dael has been translating those colours and memories into vibrant oil-on-canvas paintings. Now, she’s moving on from the house. But its timeless charm – and one of her paintings – will remain for the lucky new owner.
The roots of creativity: Growing up in South Africa
For 26 years, Dael lived in South Africa. Her childhood was spent in Johannesburg, before moving to Cape Town at 16.
‘It wasn’t all perfect, but it was very privileged and idyllic,’ she remembers. ‘The sky, the mountains… it was a beautiful place to live!’
Her favourite place? The game reserve, with its protected areas for wild animals, secure from poachers and hunters. There were elephants, lions, and zebras... (oh my!).
But in 1983, using the Australian passport her father gave her, she decided to make the move.
It was a relatively easy decision. Her dad and brother were already in Melbourne. And Dael was ready to see the world.
The UN… sort of: Finding inspiration and love abroad
Dael laughs as she describes her family as a ‘United Nations of sorts.’
‘I met my husband, Frederick, 30 years ago. He’s French – from Algeria.’
Then came an adopted addition to the family – Joel, who was born in South Korea. They’ve since conquered miles – and mountains – together.
‘We’ve travelled around the world as a family. Joel’s seen South Africa, Tanzania and more. We’ve even climbed Kilimanjaro together. We were the oldest pair on the mountain!’
But Dael’s list of travelled countries doesn’t end there. Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, regular trips to Italy – not to mention the rest of Europe.
Her open mind, adventurous soul and creative streak are obvious.
As she says: ‘I’ve always looked for the ‘artsy’ environments!’
Bold and bright hues: Painting childhood memories
From her background, it seems evident that Dael’s path into painting was a long time coming. Especially as she remembers her first visit back to South Africa after moving to Melbourne.
‘It was in 1988, for a three-month holiday. I was struck by how passionate and vibrant the country was. I also realised how much I missed and loved South Africa, and I started going back every year.’
After 11 years of annual adventures, she painted her first piece: Dark Storms over Africa.
‘I fell into art when I had more free time while raising Joel at home. And with Dark Storms over Africa, I wanted to capture this country that had sculpted my early beliefs, and my understanding of politics and humanity.’
Dael’s paintings reflect the bond she has with South Africa. The colours and textures are bold and strong, representing the strength and hope she remembers witnessing throughout her childhood – and sees every year when she goes back to visit.
‘They’re testaments to remarkable African women who stand tall and carry the country's future generations. And the women are faceless, so when someone looks at the painting, all of them are seen in unison.’
Dael’s new studio: Building a home at 405 Inkerman
All this painting had to be done somewhere. And that ‘somewhere’ was, of course, her home – 405 Inkerman St, Balaclava.
‘The house wasn’t great when we moved in,’ Dael admits. ‘But we knew how much potential it had and were ready to dive into improvements immediately.’
The house, you could say, was one of her first canvases.
And with a team of architects and builders – no detail was spared.
‘We wanted it to be modern, but timeless.’
Adding sky-high windows, durable grey ironbark floors, evaporative cooling, matching backsplashes in the kitchen and bathroom, and plenty of warm lighting fixtures were only a handful of the many renovations 405 Inkerman saw across the years.
‘Time has just flown by in this house,’ she says. ‘30 years, just like that!’
Solitude and serenity: How location affects artistic craft
A clean home is a clean mind, as they say. The sentiment definitely applies to creativity.
‘There’s no noise at all from the street,’ she points out. ‘That’s one thing I’ve always loved about this house.’
Dael’s right. Despite the rush-hour traffic of Inkerman Street outside, it feels like we’re in a private, silent oasis. Although, not completely silent.
‘I put on lots of Afrikaans music when I paint,’ she says. ‘It’s so peaceful and brings out my strongest memories. When I’m not listening to that, I listen to KISS FM – but only the Los Angeles KISS FM!’
Dael’s dedicated painting room – the second room from the front – is where she pulls out her trusty white tarp and finest oil paints.
But from the high ceilings to the open plan kitchen and living room, to the plethora of natural light streaming in, there’s no shortage of space to move, relax – and create.
And with a magnolia tree out front, and the olive trees she and Frederick pick from in the back, the home feels expansive, grounded and harmonious.
In short: it’s the perfect studio.
A new chapter: Meeting the Gary Peer team
After 30 years, Dael and her husband decided it was time for a seasonal change. The Balaclava sanctuary had served them well, but it was time to sell 405 Inkerman Street and move on.
And her search to find a real estate agent? Well, that was pretty short-lived.
‘A friend suggested that I find two agents to compare before I decided,’ Dael recalls. ‘But as soon as I met Joel from Gary Peer, I knew I was set.’
Selling your home can be a daunting process. But Dael always felt she was in good hands.
‘The whole process can be nerve-wracking, but Joel and his team are all over it. They’re so well prepared and are simply good at what they do.’
So, is it safe to say she trusts the team to get her the best result?
‘100%.’
Putting down the auction hammer: Looking towards the future
With memories woven into every corner of 405 Inkerman, selling her home marks the end of an era for Dael – and an exciting journey ahead. For both Dael and the new owner.
The auction of the house includes one of Dael’s paintings: ‘My Beautiful South Africa – Ningizimu Africa Yuma Enhle’.
That means Dael will enjoy the next chapter of her life – while 405 Inkerman’s new owner can enjoy a snapshot of her past ones.