"Soetdoring" & photoblocks

These are small artworks - photographic blocks and a nature study of the seedpod and leaf structure of the Soetdoring tree or "Acacia Karroo". These are currently available for sale, please contact me at art@janetbotes.co.za to find out more, or buy them online at hellopretty.co.za/janet-botes.

"Soetdoring"

watercolour and pencil on art paper

270 x 210mm (unframed size)

2012

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

Tread Upon

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

This work is focused on sand as material, medium and inspiration - sand representing the dust of our existence, the kernels resulting from ancient rocks' erosion, and thus a symbol of time and also place. The installation is a metaphor for the marks we leave behind as we tread upon the landscape, the spoor we leave in the sand. It is inspired by the Karoo 2052 exhibition, which I saw during the National Arts Festival in July 2012, as well as earlier work that I've done as part of HumanEarth and my SCAPES project. It is a continuation of the work I did as part of SAND(SPOOR], performed at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in July 2012.

As part of the art installation, I specifically did not put poles and ropes up to keep people away from the artwork - the intention was for people to accidentally walk unto the artwork and destroy the stylized images of insects and foliage, as symbol of the way we destroy insects and plant life in the "real" landscapes, whether intentionally or unintentionally through the choices we make and the products we buy. Fracking in the Karoo is only possible if we as the public and as tax payers keep silent about our opposition against it. Renewable energy is viable as an energy solution for our country, but the government will only invest in it if we demand it. If we do nothing, we are allowing the destruction of our planet through coal mining, nuclear waste and fracking, and we are treading upon the landscape very harshly and mindlessly.

Beautiful addition(s) by one of the gallery goers or viewers

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.

Creativity in Grahamstown

Swellendam Sojourn: day 1

I am in the picturesque Swellendam, along with wacky fellow artist, Danelle Malan, and the beautiful and successful Jennifer Reynolds, owner of www.StateoftheArt.co.za. We arrived in a misty rain yesterday, spent a fun and relaxed evening in front of the fire with a glass of red wine. Today Jennifer and I went for a walk and the following photos were the result of our fast-paced stroll:

The cottage in the last photograph is part of a guesthouse/house currently for sale. If I had the money, I would buy it! Quaint and pretty, with lots of greenery, and with a jealousy-inducing view of the mountain....

Keep an eye on this space for some more photos later this week!