Santie Cronje is a contemporary artist, based in the beautiful South Waikato region. Since beginning her exhibition journey in New Zealand galleries back in 2008, Santie's art has delved into themes of emigration, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the quest for personal identity within an unfamiliar landscape. The year 2019, and the global pandemic, marked a pivotal moment in Santie's career. This period saw her revisiting an expressive style of art, a nod to her creative output shortly after graduating from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and before her move to New Zealand in 1999. Consequently her work has become more painterly, and the subject matter is deeply rooted in her appreciation for the land and the rhythms found in nature.

As a dedicated artist who has long drawn inspiration and creative spirit from both the tangible world and the deep wells of emotional experiences, Santie is committed to producing work that speaks directly and powerfully, shifting her focus to painting the essence of the landscape or the emotion itself. This transition has unlocked a new level of freedom and joy in her artistic journey.

Santie's paintings have been featured in New Zealand's art calendars, articles, and books, including 'New Zealand 'Gallery' by Dennis Robinson and the recent publication '101 Contemporary Waikato Artists' by Peter Dornauf. Her work is held in private collections both in New Zealand and Internationally.