Abundance: Helichrysum

I love the splash of light cream colours of the Helichrysum Gradiflorum / ‘Witsewejaartjie’ against the grey rocks on Table Mountain.

In this painting, I focused on the positive and negative abstract shapes the fynbos plants creates. I used subdued grey hues to accentuate the pale yellow / creamy white flower heads of this indigenous shrub.

Another theme that I am working with in my latest paintings, is ‘shadows’. When I walk in the fynbos rich mountain paths, I find my best inspiration in the shadow of the mountain. Here the light is less sharp and the colours of my subject deeper. I feel cooler and my eyes can focus better. During this past year, I have often read Psalm 91 and this resonates with me: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…”

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This series of oil paintings, (started in the 2020 Lockdown) stand in stark contrast to the tense times that we find ourselves in – with many challenges and restrictions. In these paintings, I celebrate Spring and Summer in Cape Town.

I chose themes for my artworks such as ‘Overflow’ and ‘Abundance’ to bring pleasure, colour, hope and freedom into our lives.

 I used fynbos plants as my inspiration but deviated from the original colours and shapes early in my creative process, as I wanted to portray freedom in my mark making with vibrant colours and strong contrasts.

My aim was to show the abundance of nature after such good rains in 2020 – with a thankful heart. I want the ‘Abundance’ of the subject matter to ‘Overflow’ off the canvas – just as provision and blessings overflow in my life.  May this work bring hope and light wherever it is seen.