My practice has always been established on geological examination and contemplation.
This exhibition considers the unique story of Robben Island in South Africa.
This new exploration of layered history has been an adventure of discovery. Of secrets never shared, of a family tree not known.
My work has often considered the cartography and surface of the island.
I am now able to explore and find a new story that finally makes sense of working with layers of pigments and minerals, using marks of unknown languages, finding "What lies beneath".
I have always felt somewhat other, trying to find my tribe, and now maybe I understand why finding out that my 11th great grandmother, Krotoa (known as Eva) was an indigenous Khoisan from a very small original tribe in The Cape, known as the "Red People." Krotoa was a remarkable and intelligent woman who married a Danish surgeon, the first interracial marriage recorded in South Africa. She died aged 32 and is buried on ……………Robben Island.
All the remarkable techniques, that only minerals can create, my story of layer making is so much more authentic. The red iron oxide, of the red people is finding a thread into my new series of artwork.
"Through time and pressure beauty is created, we mine the soul to find the precious things we must bring it to the surface. Life refines and polishes our history and the choices we make. Our layers and compartments are filled with experiences and memories. My love of earth and clay has influenced all my art in the use of texture and form."
