Under the African sun in Kitwe, Zambia, Dirk was born in 1953 from South African stock. He returned to his roots, South Africa, in 1963 with his parents as nationalized citizens. He matriculated and then pursued a career as draughtsman for five tedious years, always hearing the inner call to create, to paint, to express and to sculpt. He then had to serve in the National Defense Force at 1 Parachute Battalion, Tempe, Bloemfontein from 1974.

He experienced the bush, the wildlife, nature, experiences that would also reflect in his artwork. Back in civilian life, he took up sport parachuting, water polo, horse riding, and acted out his interest in the bush and particularly also his attraction to snakes.

Eventually in 1978, Dirk could turn to painting professionally: a dream came true. He passed through the beautiful town, George, the heart of the Garden Route and fell in love with the luscious scenery. In 1981 he moved to George, later wedded a local lady, and today is blessed with three daughters.

This versatile artist has experienced his art in various mediums, including pencil, pastels, watercolor, charcoal, oil paint, resin and bronze. The demand for his oil paintings and his bronzes form the major part of his creative medium.

Dirks' subject matter also varies considerably. These include still life, landscapes, seascapes, aircraft, trains, figure studies, birds and wildlife studies.

Dirk has had numerous one-man exhibitions and has participated in group exhibitions, also abroad in England, Australia, Norway and the USA.

Dirk's positive outlook on life, recognizing its beauty, the peacefulness of his soul inspires creativity that is portrayed in the images, captured within that space the remedy and relish for the soul.