At present I am very conscious of humanities attachment to objects through emotional bonds formed by family stories, memories of past experiences and associations. These objects become almost like a talisman that hold some greater power than inanimate objects.

As do coveted artworks which mesmerise and move the viewers, taking on a mystic value. Painting replicas of master’s works is a way of learning, paying homage and adding emotional content to my work through the poetry of another’s. I have so much to learn and I am so grateful for the abundance of artwork to be seen and learnt from. It’s inevitable that some of these creations are absorbed into my work.

Interwoven with these themes are the creatures of Durban who bring suggested movement into the genre’ of the still life. As much as I love still lives, adding a subject that moves always allows me to exhale during the creative and viewing process.  All the birds and animals that I paint are ones that I have stalked and photographed in Durban. This gives me a deeper understanding and compassion for the manner in which they have to navigate their way around the city.

It is amazing how working on an exhibition can lead me to a deeper self-awareness.  During the process of working on “Spoils of a creative forage”, a feeling of displacement was forming in me. As much as I love Durban, a growing desire to live away from the city started to form. I began to feel increasing like the monkeys and pigeons who co-habit with humanity. Where this will take me in both my living situation and art work is something I am yet to understand and explore.’