Current Experiments and Expressions

At any particular time I usually have to put in time and effort to clear space on my studio table. I am always surrounded by unfinished works (it's a curse!), experiments, natural materials from a recent walk or the garden, notes, quick sketches, and other bits that contribute to the chaos in my studio. Often I have gems hiding in unexpected corners because of this, and sometimes I am able to group together things that really work well together. Here's a selection of some of the many things that are currently occupying surface space in the studio:

A beautiful richly-coloured soil from the garden. I have no idea what I would like to do with it, I might end up making it finer with my mortar-and-pestle, and taking a photo of it strewn onto a piece of glass - then using the photo in the Nuances work I am currently working on. 

Some abstract sketches, possibly in preparation of some of the bigger works for my exhibition:

More bits of 'work in progress'

One of the pieces of seaweed from my recent Gordon's Bay sessions, now stitched onto paper with brown thread:

Detail from a large mixed media artwork in progress:

Recent Work

"Hemispheres", Mixed media on wood, 248 x 198mm each, 2013

In the same way that the left and right side of our body needs to communicate effectively to support our movement and functioning - the left and right hemispheres of the brain working together - the different hemispheres of the earth and the plant kingdom work together to sustain life on Earth.

From my sketchbook: beetle flying towards the tip of a grass-seed-stem, and the trunk of a Quiver Tree

"Grow III", Mixed media, 2013

New work: A Perspective On Time

A Perspective on Time

Mixed Media on wood/board

36.8 x 32.3 cm (unframed)

2013

Part of my Beach Meditation series, which are inspired by land art that I created by placing or arranging found pebbles on the beach. Each of these land art pieces were made as a prayer or meditation. 

This particular painting is focused on time - the rings of circular 'sun' design being divided into 12 sections for the months of the year, into 24 sections for the hours within a day, and 28 lines symbolizing a moon cycle. The focus of this particular 'meditation' is about using our time wisely in ways that support our goals, priorities and dreams. 

I've been giving a lot of time away freely the last few years, and I've also wasted some time on doing things that made me neglect my own needs, as well as the people I love. I am learning to find a balance in the way that I spend my time, making sure that everything I choose to spend time on, is done for and with the right reasons and intention. 

Work in progress: Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis I: Nature Changes - work in progress

My new body of work, Metamorphosis, is inspired by the metamorphosis of insects, and also personal and spiritual transformation. It follows from the research and visual work that I did for my SAND(SPOOR] performance at the Arts Lounge during the 2012 National Arts Festival, which focused on tracks and marks left on the landscape by human, animal, insect alike.

Tesame met hierdie, maar ook as 'n eie, aparte projek, maak ek tans "kokonne" uit papier, plastiek en 'foil' - dis die geboorte van 'n nuwe projek, wat groei uit die vorige gestalte van honderde sakkies, gebruik vir die Waterboom of "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil III" wat by die 2013 Woordfees in Stellenbosch geskep en fasiliteer is deur Anni Snyman en Site_Specific Events. Hou hierdie spasie dop vir meer nuus en foto's van hierdie projek, tans getiteld "Fruits of the Spirit". Dit vorm deel van my Metamorphosis werke aangesien weggooi-materiaal in die vorm van tjoklit-papiertjies, plastiek en foelie wat gebruik word om kokonne te vorm wat later saam 'n kunswerk skep, en daardeur visueel getransformeer en verander word.

Workshop: Mixed Media | 11/12 April

Mixed Media
Play, explore, build, and create. 

11 April 2013 at 4pm to 9pm
12 April 2013 at 9am to 2pm
Studio 41, 41 Glynn Street, Cape Town
R450 per person, incl. art materials & snacks

Booking & payment is essential - Limited space is available, with individual attention and guidance a focus within all workshops, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced artists. The Mixed media workshop is a fun, informal and experimental session, in which you have the chance to explore and try new things you wouldn't usually work with. 

Full payment confirms your booking. If you are unable to attend, after paying, you are welcome to attend the next workshop, but payment for the workshop is non-refundable. Contact me to book.

Siklus: ritme in dood en groei

This is the artwork that I created and finished for the Hiernamaals | Hereafter exhibition at Slee Gallery, Stellenbosch. It will be on exhibit from 1-10 March 2013, don't miss it! For more information about the exhibition, view this blog post, the Facebook event page or the Site_Specific website

Siklus: ritme in dood en groei

Artist's Statement/ Description: 
There exists a complex and intricate balance and rhythm in death and growth - the process of death, decay and rejuvenation. Decayed matter in nature gives sustenance and feeds new growth, in nature there is no 'waste'. In this artwork natural materials, objects, organisms are used in juxtaposition with man-made and discarded/found material - the latter perceived as 'waste' by the general public, but as a source or substrate for creation for artists like us. The bronze/golden thread that helps to tie and entwine it together, holding the depicted process together, aims to evoke the image of the proverbial heavenly golden streets, and a spider's web. These hinting at the beauty, perfection and holiness - sacredness - of natural processes of life, death, decay and regrowth. 

Medium: Natural & Found material assemblage 2013
Dimensions: 350 x 380 x 75mm'
Year: 2013

New artwork: Breathe and Believe

Breathe and Believe

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

670 x 340 mm

2012

Part of a new series called Beach Meditations

This artwork is available, please contact me at art@janetbotes.co.za for more information. 

Art Blocks

Tomorrow's Scape

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

450mm x 150mm

2012

Summer Afternoon Light

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

450mm x 150mm

2012

Untitled

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

450mm x 150mm

2012

On Butterfly Wings

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

450mm x 150mm

2012

Strung Together

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

450mm x 150mm

2012

Amongst the Waves

Janet Botes

Mixed media on wood

450mm x 150mm

2012

Look Upon

LOOK UPON
as part of "Walk This Earth Alone" art exhibition, hosted by the Gallery @ Grande Provence, Franschhoek, 12 August - 26 September 2012

We as humans display, explore and examine the natural world, trying to understand it, sometimes taking advantage of it and also ultimately conserving and protecting it, or pieces of it. There is a beauty to be seen, appreciated and respected in everything that surrounds us.  When we realize this, and experience it constantly, it might awaken the need and desire to protect living creatures so that museums don't end up being the only place where we can view creatures, plants and 'specimens' from nature.