Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting— over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
– Mary Oliver

Art is not just something to adorn a wall. It should be something that connects with us at a deeper level… like a warm fire for those who are cold; energy for those who are tired; a light for those who feel lost; sustenance for the hungry.

During lockdown, confined to our homes, these universal needs became even more acute. I found people yearning for escape from the physical and mental limitations of the every day. They yearned for nature and the beauty of the world. But, all of a sudden, something as simple as a walk in the park was no longer allowed. And we became starved of the nurture and comfort we find in Nature.

My family and I are fortunate to live at the foot of the Stellenbosch mountains. As lockdown regulations eased, we could return to our regular routes, walking the dogs. But, with strict controls in place on time and distance, we had to make more of a conscientious effort to plan our own escapes into the wilderness. We woke before dawn and set off with headlamps to make the most of the limited time. We explored every little crag within the allocated 5km of our home. Then – when we were allowed to travel further – we explored off the beaten track, up steep ravines, down deep kloofs shrouded by ancient woods.

We saw everything with fresh eyes, renewed appreciation, and always returned home hungry for more. We were reminded that extra-ordinary tends to happen when you step away from your comfort zone, away from routine. It’s hard to find the extra-ordinary in amongst the mundane but it thrives in the Great Outdoors and to those with a curious mind. Whilst these adventures were obviously balm for the soul, Nature has this way of teaching you lessons that stick with you long after you return home.

My hope is that these artworks capture some of that power and helps keep the flames of the Wild alive in our hearts…

…The Wild Within