DIVERSITY
Growing up in South Africa taught me many things, but in art... The love of colour as diverse in nature as the cultures of that beautiful continent.
I am an artist. I have been my whole life. I truly delved back into it in 2012. I had lost my way. I didn't have faith in myself and my abilities as an artist, I had heard too many times that I wasn't talented and I let that really sink in. I should never have done that. I returned to my first love in life and I’ll never be without it again. I feel grounded whenever I’m able to step into that world by picking up a paintbrush, pen, pencil, etc.
Inspiration
This painting was the start to my newly refreshed desire to create. I had recently lost my job and each day I went for long walks. This tree is in my neighbourhood on the banks of a river. Limbs severed over the years for whatever ailment that required such amputations. This tree resonated with me and my situation at the time, no matter how short it's limbs were cut, it still flourished every spring and summer. Showing me that no matter what had been dished out to me, I would face it and come out on top and better for the experience.