Thursday, July 21, 2011

LAST WEEKEND'S WORK

I love knowing that I have an idea and am about to make it come to life. Painting while watching rugby and nibbling on some biltong makes me very, very happy. I am so grateful my kitchen counter (aka work space) faces the TV. 
BTW, Go the Bokke on Saturday!!!




Saturday, July 16, 2011

JUST FOR FUN

My friend loves all things Frida Kahlo, so I decided to make her into Frida. She owns a black Scottie called Harold. He's in the portrait too!

My other friend loves all things John Lennon. I made her a birthday piece.

And then the question was posed by someone: "would you rather be a happy pig or an unhappy human?" The answers were mixed but I know without a doubt I'd rather be a happy pig. And so this next piece was born...

PORTRAITS

I was so excited about the arrival of my niece that I drew a portrait of her. 
Send me a nice pic of your loved one and I can make you one too. It makes a nice gift, don't you think?



LARGER PIECES

Trying my hand at larger works...


TRANSPORT TRIPTYCHS

A shout out to these classic modes of transport.



MORE VINTAGE

Experimenting on thicker, worn wood.
I like!






CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Thinking back to things that put a smile on my dial...






MONOCHROMATIC MUSINGS

Sometimes an artist needs to explore more serious emotions...


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

I'M ON A ROLL!








THIS IS FUN!

And so my collection grew...











MY FIRST

Thought back to my childhood, and a stand out memory. Riding on the back of my dad's Lambretta (to the car junkyard to pull pieces off old cars). So exciting!



ENOUGH!

It had been coming for quite some time. That feeling deep inside that something is shifting and as hard as you try to drown out that little voice, you know the day will come when you finally act.


It can take anything... a stupid comment from a colleague... a cold rainy day... an empty kettle when you put it on in the first place for your cup of tea... and then Wham! it happens.
You have had ENOUGH!


For me, the shift happened at least a year before I acted. And for 6 months it was just a matter of hoping the feeling would go away. But it didn't and one day the fear had utterly vanished and had been replaced by an absolute certainty that I had to change my course or I would be swallowed alive or worse still wake up in twenty years time with no knowledge of what I had been doing, why I had been doing it and who for.


So I left my full time job, dusted off my paints and brushes and starting making myself happy again.


Each piece I create is an original. No prints, no mass marketing. A one off that represents authenticity and uniqueness. Something I value very highly in this tough journey called life.


I have not for a second regretted my decision and I urge you all, in whatever form is comfortable for you, to remain true to yourself and never compromise.