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:

Expressing the almost unexpressable

Communication

Janet Botes

Ink and coffee on fine art paper

420 x 297mm (unframed)

2014

R450

My abstract works generally diverge from the overall environmental focus of my work. These works are rather more personal, inspired by emotional responses to life events or circumstances, especially in times of change. Created in a style in line with Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism, relying on automatism - a very spontaneous, free or automatic approach that aims to express the creative force of the unconscious. 

Equilibrium

Janet Botes

Beetroot juice and ink on fine art paper

594 x 420mm (unframed)

2014

R800

Made to represent my first seven days after moving out of Cape Town City, the artwork expresses the emotional turmoil and challenges in adapting to a new environment. The cellular shapes also relates to the seven chakras of the human body - signifying the importance of groundedness and connection to our own body and energy in our wellbeing - physical as well as psychologically. Within those first days of a new life in a new place I maintained sanity or equilibrium through exercise and religiously healthy eating. 

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

"Genus"

Janet Botes

Ink & Acrylic on Found Wood

203 x 114mm

2013

"Habitat"

Janet Botes

Ink, Acrylic & Pronature Paint on Wood

198 x 114mm

2013

New work: "Home" series

Silence has an Echo

Watercolour & ink on acid free paper

195 x 135mm

2013

Reborn from Frustration

Watercolour & ink on acid free paper

175 x 120mm

2013

Darkness brings Wisdom

Watercolour & ink on acid free paper

200 x 135mm

2013

Shadow of the Mountain

Watercolour & ink on acid free paper

195 x 135mm

2013

Ink & Watercolour Workshop

Studio 41 presents: 
INK & WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP
by Janet Botes

DATE: Friday 15 February & Saturday 16 February 2013
TIME: 10 am - 12:30 pm
PLACE: Studio 41, 41 Glynn Street, cnr. Canterbury & Glynn, Cape Town

COST: R350 per workshop/per day (includes materials & refreshments (vegetarian, wheat-free))

Techniques include working with washes, with different tools and materials, working loose as well as detailed, and creating texture. Booking & payment is essential - Limited space is available, with individual attention and guidance a focus within the workshop, making it suitable for beginners who want to learn a new art form or medium, as well as experienced artists who just want to develop their skill or expand their medium.

Facebook event page

For bank details & booking, contact me at art@janetbotes.co.za

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.

New watercolour and ink sketches inspired by Swellendam and Sedgefield

Waiting for sunrise

"Waiting", ink on paper, 105 x 148mm, 2012.

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!

Ink doodles

Some experimental ink works in preparation of new works on paper.

More watercolour and ink scapes