TSoT = The Story of Trees
At the moment, February 2025, South Africans are experiencing extreme highs in summer temperatures and the thought of drinking a steamy hot beverage, may not be that inviting, but during the cold winter months the idea of a cosy corner, where the aroma of hot chocolate unites a few friends, will comfort many. Most of us enjoy the taste of chocolate, because it pacifies and “transports” us temporarily to happier times at first bite. Can we imagine life without it now? I don’t think so. Can anyone forget the sweet movie Chocolat where the magical power of chocolate is put to the test? Someone called “Anonymous” said, “To angels, God gave wings, to humans, chocolate.” (See 195 Best Chocolate Quotes and Sayings – Baking Like a Chef.)
In Marky’s blog I read: “From its rich and creamy texture to its bittersweet taste, chocolate is a beloved treat for so many around the world. But few may know the science behind its deliciousness. Chocolate contains a chemical compound called phenylethylamine (PEA) which is known to increase levels of dopamine in the areas of our brain responsible for pleasure and reward.” (Taken from: The Science Behind Chocolate: How It Affects Our Brain and Mood.) If you want to read a brief summary of the history of chocolate, then click on the link provided. (See History of Chocolate: Cocoa Beans & Xocolatl | HISTORY.) Chocolate is another story that involves a tree. We easily forget that many edible delights first appear on trees before mankind gives it a palatable boost.
Let us turn our attention to the artwork. At school in the Art class I learned that a diagonal line creates welcome tension in an art piece, because it breaks the predictability of horizontal and vertical lines. In this work there is ample tension, because a v-shape is created by the dominant branch slanting towards the top left corner (from the viewer’s perspective) and the shorter branch (that may look like an arm) slanting towards the top right corner. There are the pop-corn dots which create a decorative effect in the background, and it is echoed by the stones in the foreground. The blue outlines and dots illuminate the fingers of the tree trunk. Just a little note here: I decided to add the pointillistic feature (pop-corn effect) when I worked on this collection because without it, it really felt too drab to me; the limited palette which I restricted myself to, invited a decorative aspect.
(I just want to return to the tension aspect which I touched upon earlier in the paragraph. These Kalahari trees are strong. When one looks at them carefully, one can be amazed that the tree is able to balance these far-reaching branches with their weight. The Kalahari as a region is known for its thunderstorms during the rainy season and then during these storms the branches may snap. I include a short video to illustrate this. A view with a twist. #shortvideo #kalahari #meditation #nature #trees #kameeldoring #hope #peace)
Many an artist will agree with me that each artwork or collection of work takes on a life of its own and the artist is often just providing what the work is asking for. Once a work is finished, the viewer or buyer may be blissfully unaware of what the artist was feeling or trying to accomplish during the creative process and then the work is freed to be functional in another’s domain. In the photographs of the virtual scenes included, we can get an idea of what could transpire.
I trust you will have a sweet day or evening and that you will recognize and enjoy the hot chocolate moments life sends your way. Remember there is Art in your heart; be smart and share it whenever you can.
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