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, followed by the challenges presented by a 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 (Bachelors of Arts), and before her move to New Zealand in 1999. Between 2019 and 2023, Santie devoted her time to painting expressive landscapes. Through these works, she aimed to pay tribute to her adopted homeland's stunning vistas. Yet, as her journey continued, Santie felt an urge to forge a deeper connection, leading her to explore a more introspective approach. Her latest projects have transformed into a form of visual journaling. Similar to how writing can help untangle complex thoughts, Santie's unique process of creating visual narratives has opened up pathways to self-discovery and emotional exploration. This method not only aids in her own personal journey of introspection but it also offers viewers a chance to resonate with the art on a deeper level, encouraging the viewer to reflect on their individual stories and feelings.

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