There are questions in one’s mind as to the direction of paintings. This year I was influenced by the artist Sean Layh. Not that I have imitated his thought path nor his paintings. It is hard to explain exactly what happened in the sudden revelatory moment. I call it an epiphany. From then on, I realised I could paint with a voice. With a message. A visual sound, a visual voice.
The Seismic Series initially, promised great things to me. But, it was a hard year for sad, traumatic, and emotional reasons. I didn’t paint many large paintings. But I did start exploring shiny objects. I am not sure I will continue actively with still life, but I enjoyed exploring the possibilities. And the shiny objects were a beneficial learning process.
COVID was upon us, and we had the anxious time of processing the unknown capabilities of a new, brutal virus. We were coping with lockdown, reports of illness and the daily sadness of people passing away.
It was a time of reflection. We were frightened. We were facing a situation not encountered before. And we didn’t know where it would end, or if it was going to end.
Nature benefitted. There were fewer industrial emissions. There was silence in the streets. In our village the wildlife was seen frolicking in the open areas. There seemed to be more birds and butterflies.
Initially, I struggled to get past a blank canvas. My head was buzzing with unanswered questions and anxious thoughts. Creative thoughts thrive on calm. Creative thoughts require introspection and uncluttered head space and freedom to move, assemble and construct.
Painting a selfie seemed to release my creative energy and after that I produced an enormous amount. I refused to paint dark, sad paintings.
During the time of the Pula Series 2019-2020, I started exploring portraiture. It is challenging and rewarding when ultimately the sitter is happy with the outcome. I also started enjoying painting wild animals.
Pula is rain in Tswana. Rain is vital for Africa. We tend to have long spells of drought and then periods of severe flooding.
Symbolically, my first series is called Feathers & Wings. I acquired my painting wings after years of yearning to paint, with life, love, family, and fantastic experiences to fuel my creativity. 😊
I have the privilege of approaching the creative process with experience and sufficient freedom.
When I was little, I was absorbed by birds. Who would have thought then that I would paint and enjoy the individual characteristics of so many interesting birds.
