Barefoot And Free

Devon is a far cry from the wilds of my African childhood; I spent my early life in the Kalahari semi-desert, Botswana. My grandmother painted the sparse expanses of the Namib dunes and my mother still paints in the arid Botswana. Perhaps it was inevitable that wherever I settled I would be drawn to the untamed landscapes surrounding me – the Jurassic coastline with crumbling cliffs, the vastness of Dartmoor and the exquisite Devon countryside. I am inspired by the textures, changing tones and light of the seasons and colours of the landscape and sea.

I went on to have a career in graphic design in South Africa and London. My studies in graphic design, psychotherapy and world travels all influences my art as well.

I settled in Devon thirteen years ago with my wonderful husband, two inspiring children and three funny cats. I now pursue my career as an artist full-time from my home studio in Ottery St Mary.

 

My approach starts intuitively – layers and textures are built up using a variety of water-based mediums including acrylic, ink, charcoal, pastels, collage, and graphite. I subtract through drawing, scraping, washing, and sanding back into the layers which creates a rich surface history.

 

I collect interesting objects which I keep in my studio for inspiration and mark-making including tide-line objects, dried seedheads, seaweed, flowers and fossils.

 

During the pandemic, my art practise became more process-driven and abstract where fragments of nature and everyday life were reworked through the creative process. My passion for exploration, experimentation and play allows my artistic voice to evolve and keeps me enthralled.

This colourful, vibrant piece was inspired by country and coastal walks here in the SW of England as well as memories of the African heat of my childhood where I often walked barefoot. My process includes building up layers of acrylic and ink and then working back with various mark-making tools to create a rich surface texture and balanced composition. The abstract nature allows the viewer their own interpretation – people have seen a waterfall, red sandstone Jurassic cliffs, rocks on the water’s edge and a sea view – what can you see?

 

The painting is signed on the front and the surface is protected with UV safe varnish.

Mixed Media | Acrylic, Ink, Charcoal and China Markers on Wood Panel.

 

44.5x44.5cm

Image Size 30.5x30.5cm

Presented in an Off White Frame