TSoT = The Story of Trees
During August 2020 I took many photographs of the dry Kalahari landscapes where we stay. It was not a happy time for the farmers in the area because of the drought and the struggle to keep the livestock fed. My one artist friend remarked that the paintings I made during this time lacked colour; she was right, but that is what I saw.
When I was a student years ago at Teachers’ College, another student told me that his art teacher always told them that they should never apologise for the medium: If one is using graphite pencil one is showcasing its properties, regardless of the myriad of other media one could have chosen. I think I need to apply this “principle” to my Kalahari scenes as well. The Kalahari was extremely dry and the scenes may look stripped of greenery and lush vegetation, but that is what it was and what I saw.
When I look at this collection of 10 works, it is easy to label them as “depressing” or “sad”, but that was not the spirit behind it. I am not trying to justify anything now; I am simply trying to state that as artists it is impossible to satisfy all the art lovers out there at the same time. At times we need to allow ourselves the freedom to change direction; rediscover media we left untouched for decades; dive into foreign subject matter; battle through puddles of paint until something emerge which may resemble a picture we have always carried in our minds. I think I am getting carried away, but all I wanted to say was: It is what it is (which is such a popular line these days).
Let us have a closer look at Sandy Road. I was challenged by the subdued tones I observed and tried to obey in the reference photo I took and building up slowly with the faint layers was a bit against my abstract-expressionist-nature. I had to exercise control; I distanced myself from the work; it was an experiment in progress; tonal mastery was the goal. I am definitely not a watercolour expert and perhaps I am not too keen to know what the masters would say about Sandy Road, but it emerged eventually; I could close the studio door and say “No more, it is done”.
Robert Henri said, “Don’t ask for a criticism until you are sure you can’t give it yourself. Then you will be in a fine state to receive it.” (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/art-criticism) This statement by Henri made me think of the creative community and our sensitive souls. How people react towards our expressions we cannot control, but we invite “participation” by sharing what we do.
May your day be wonderful, whether your road is tarred, sandy, green or paved. Once again, I will add a few links where you can see my Sandy Road on various items and in a room mockup. Until we have another arty chat in my studio, be creative and always remember, there is art in your heart.
I highly appreciare the authenticity of the natural color and how it captures the specific season. There is a special stillness in Sandy road...