For Marcia Kotze, creativity has always been a constant companion, one she carried with her from South Africa to New Zealand, quite literally alongside her art supplies.
Having spent most of her life in South Africa, Marcia developed a love for art from a young age, despite coming from a family with very different creative interests. In 2009, she joined an art group called Freestyle Crafts, where she formed close friendships and found a mentor in teacher Yvonne Watson. It was here that Marcia explored recycled art and discovered a passion for painting rocks, something she would later teach to others in her spare time.
During the uncertainty of the Covid-19 period in 2020, Marcia and a friend began painting and hiding rocks in their hometown, eventually creating a Facebook community to share their creations. What started as a simple creative outlet soon became something more meaningful, offering moments of kindness and connection during a difficult time.
After immigrating to New Zealand with her family in 2024, Marcia found a new creative home through the Nelson Rocks New Zealand rock art community. She highlights that the group has been running for nine years, although she has been involved for only the past two.
There, she connected with like-minded people, including one of the group’s administrators, Michelle Thomas, and quickly felt inspired by their shared passion for spreading kindness through art.
“As a busy pharmacist, rock painting has become my creative escape – a simple way to unwind, spread kindness, and brighten someone’s day” she says.
Marcia now paints and carefully seals each rock before hiding them in local spots across Nelson, including Isel Park, Stoke, Tahunanui and Richmond. Using acrylic paints, paint pens and sealants, each piece is made to withstand the elements, ready to be discovered by a lucky passerby.
“It’s so special to know that something so simple can bring kindness to someone,” she says.
Those who find one of Marcia’s rocks are encouraged to keep it, gift it, or rehide it somewhere new, continuing the cycle of kindness. For Marcia, the joy comes not just from creating, but from seeing the ripple effect, with photos shared online, smiles sparked and small moments of connection made between strangers.
She also encourages others to get involved. “Whether you already love painting or are just curious to learn more, we’d love for you to be part of our growing rock painting community on the Nelson Rocks NZ Facebook page. Come be inspired, share in the kindness (don’t forget to hashtag the artist when posting the pic!), and discover how one little rock can make a big difference!”
Through her painted rocks, Marcia is quietly brightening corners of the community, one thoughtful, colourful surprise at a time.
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