WINNER OF THE TREES FOR ZAMBIA ARTWORK

to Wanda Coustas, the winner of the artwork "GROW AND SUSTAIN THE SOIL"

Thank you, Wanda, and all the other donors, for your contribution and support towards Greenpop's Trees for Zambia project! You can follow their work and find out more on their website www.greenpop.org

Wind swept: West Coast, Sout Africa

NEW: work in progress

Inspired by leaves, bark and branches of a tree, and insects - specifically butterflies, moths, flies, cockroaches and mosquito's. The focus on wings in the works, also refers to flight, flying or freedom. The arrangement(s) also starts to resemble flower structures, which serves as food and home for insects.

Medium: (above) ink and tea on paper. (below) ink and mixed media on wood

I've grown a fresh interest in insects after seeing several praying mantis nymphs grow among my pot plants, as well as seeing the many small spiders and cockroaches that took shelter in the abandoned buildings at Conradie Care Centre. Every time I saw one, two or more of the mantids among my spinach leaves, rosemary or other plants, it was unexpected and while I was deep in thought. Every time it was a pleasant surprise and when they were still small I once saw six of the praying mantids on the same plant! These encounters are only a small part of my new-found connection and love for small creatures - as soon as you start noticing and respecting them, you start seeing them more and experiencing bizarre and wonderful little coincidences often bordering on the spiritual. I've recently bought myself the Field Guide to Insects in South Africa, by Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths and Alan Weaving, and am in awe of all the amazing "goggas" that share our world with us. The next time you see a bug, take a minute or two to really look at it. You might be surprised at what you see or realize!

With love, by nature