A self-taught South African artist/photographer, I live in a Kwa-Zulu Natal coastal town, nestling in the foothills of Durban.
My journey as an artist started over 3 decades ago, initially painting on ceramics and later teaching my craft. After some encouragement from my friend and fellow international artist Natasha Barnes, I expanded my passion for painting onto canvas and continue my journey in this medium.
Open landscapes and the characters of the peoples of my native land inspire me capturing the indomitable spirit of the amazing women of Africa. My work has been, and remains one of my greatest and most satisfying challenges. Painting mostly with a pallet knife, old credit cards and my hands, I always strive to capture the “essence” of Africa at its best.
Rural Artwork
Portraits
Wild Life
Photography
Other
Rural Artwork
My artwork depicts mostly rural women and children busy in the routine and their daily lives of the anonymity of my figures leaves their personalities to the imagination of the viewer.
The women often have a thin flowing white fabric draped over their clothing, my symbol of their emotional and spiritual strength, often in the face of extreme poverty and adversity.
In many circumstances, these remarkable women raise children on their own. Despite their many hardships, they have an extraordinary ability and connection with Life itself that enables them to live their lives in gentle and gracious acceptance.
VIEW GALLERYPortraits
In recent years I have started painting contemporary abstract portraits. My love of portraits is my ability to connect with my subjects through their eyes, the keys to the soul which so often reveal untold stories.
I start with a blank canvas and slowly, stroke by stroke, bring it alive, with the greater purpose of revealing in the painting of the essence of the character.
My connection with the personality so often triggers a hint of sadness for me when the painting leaves the studio, but this is tempered with the knowledge that the new owner will have the opportunity to connect with the character.
VIEW GALLERYWild Life
My love of the African bush and its incredible wildlife has enabled me to use my many safari experiences to photograph some amazing moments, some of which I have incorporated into my wildlife work.
VIEW GALLERYPhotography
Photography is my “go to” place when I am not painting. It may “time out” where I try and capture the essence of whatever it may be I am photographing. I am especially drawn to the wonder of the world around me: the miniscule detail of dandelions, the flight of a bird, wildlife or mere simplicity in itself; telling the story through the lens is my ultimate aim.
VIEW GALLERY