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...everything changes once they are found, at which point they will be "discovered," "revealed," "reframed," and put on display, consequently becoming fetishes and
(if the luck holds out) foundational for a whole series of new findings and appropriations.
William J.T. Mitchell
About
MY JOURNEY
Intricate detail has always captured my attention.
It has now become my journey: to notice and observe and then, to collect and rearrange.
I was introduced to the tradition of botanical illustration in 2013 by the internationally acclaimed botanical artist Vicky Thomas. The slow systematic pace of watercolor perfectly suited my personality and delight in detailed observation. The intricate designs in nature have been a constant source of inspiration on my artistic journey. My creative challenge is to visually transcribe the beauty that I find.
Living in a summer rain climate in Gauteng, I am acutely aware of the change in seasons from lush green to dry and bare. Having grown up in the green and fairest Cape, I am challenged to find beauty even in the driest seasons. It is during those seasons that I am most surprised by what I can collect from an ordinary garden or sidewalk.
Next to my workstation and on my windowsill, you will always find an arrangement of glass bottles containing plant and weed specimens from my latest garden expedition or roadside foraging. Glancing up from my painting, they are my daily companions and source of inspiration.
Join me on my journey of collecting and observing the details of garden and veld.
BLOUGROND COLLECTION
The Story
Blougrond is a text-less illustrated narrative of characters that escape from pottery shards and together embark on a life-changing journey. The story was inspired by a collection of British pottery shards that were excavated from the garden of my childhood-home in Paarl. It was the cut-off juxtaposed fragments of blue and white printed patterns and Victorian figures that captured my imagination. These fragments became the starting point for the Blougrond story about a journey to fantasy worlds, working together, finding oneself, and transformation.
(kol'-ekt)
A late summer collection of pen drawings. An appraisal of line and form - a collected state.
(kol'-ekt)
A late summer collection of pen drawings. An appraisal of line and form - a collected state.
Winter Florilegium
Only sold in selected stores - The Golden Goose Artistry, Brooklyn Mall & South Downs. Franschhoek Flowers, Franschhoek. Milieu Stellenbosch. Madam Botany, Knysna. Knus Karookombuis, Paarl. La Motte Farmshop, Franschhoek.
(kol'-ekt)
A late summer collection of pen drawings. An appraisal of line and form - a collected state.
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FINE ART & ILLUSTRATION
As an artist intrigued by detail, I spend time in my studio observing, I find wonderful moments inside the folds of a double chromosome blossom; I am personally challenged by the intricate play of light and shadow on the grey-green leaves of a poppy plant; bursting with excitement when the light shifts to reveal a delicate shadow pattern on my table. It is my joy to bring to light the details that are often overlooked in everyday life.
Detail work demands time and patience. When progress is measured in millimeters, my drawing desk becomes both my most happy and challenging place. Realism is a space where I am most comfortable, yet always aware of the balance between humanity and perfection, reproduction and interpretation.
Contact
JOIN ME
Join me on my journey of collecting and observing the details of garden and veld and receive a notification from time to time about upcoming exhibitions and new collections.
Follow my studio process on Instagram and Facebook.
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