What The Wind Whispered

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.

Created during the pandemic and exploring issues of confusion at the time, the fuzziness of not-knowing what was going on, whispers of information, memories, fears and hopes of what might be. Consequently this piece has a dreamlike unreal quality to it.

 

Exploring the process of adding and subtracting until a balance was found. Using various methods of layering and piecing together fragments through mixed media and then scraping, sanding and peeling off – metaphorically delving deeper in an attempt to unearth and to find answers.

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

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Wood Panel

52.5x52.5cm

Image Size 50x50cm

Presented in an Oak Stained Frame