Being human, the natural thing for us to do is to try and communicate with those around us. Each one trying in the best way he or she knows how. Some do it with figures, others use the written word and some are even lucky enough to have mastered more than one. There are times some people tell me I talk too much and they might be right. There is a nice side to this though, for when they look at my art they don’t say the same. I am sure you know, “talker” or “non-talker”, there is this warm - good feeling that cloaks you when someone listens and find what you have to say interesting. So, finally I decided to “talk” to everyone about colours and the beauty of the world we live in.
This decision has now catapulted my life into a totally different direction from the one it has been in since I completed my schooling in art. Although art has always been very important throughout my life, it was only in 2001 that my serious pursuit to be a full-time Artist began. Due to her persistence, for some of my work for herself, I have to admit that a very good friend of mine was mostly responsible for this change in my life.
With the start of any vocation you have to find out what part of it gives you the most excitement and satisfaction so you can draw your energy and grow from that. No easy task when you like something this much in general. I think however, I have gotten it down to one important factor. Colour! In the beginning of 2006 while busy with other projects, I toyed with the idea to “talk” about the small spring flowers and their beautiful colours in the Western Cape. Eventually, unable to resist this addictive train of thought, I started working on it in 2007. This “colour-thing” that controls all of us is truly an exiting and adventurous type of journey.
Since it’s my nature to be drawn to things that makes me want to take a closer look, just in case I missed something, it came as no surprise that I chose the smallest of the spring flowers lining our roads as my target. The bigger ones however, will not be neglected as time goes by. My thoughts are that there must be more people like me wishing they had a few extra moments, exactly when they want them, to take a closer look at these sheets flowers or perhaps to sit or lie in the middle of their beauty.
I was thrown a curve-ball when I started working on the pictures! One I did not expect, although I should have. Nature found a way to allow my “just in case I missed something” view of things to get into my paintings. Did you miss it or did you see all? I am talking about the insects. Some are obvious, but some caught me by surprise while working, as I am sure they would you while viewing the pictures. So, don’t be shy….take another look “just in case you missed something”! Let me know if you need directions. I’d be happy to assist.
Until and unless otherwise informed, for a specific painting, all my work is done in Soft Pastel. It is a medium that allows me to shift and shape it until I see a reflection of my feelings.
