Dear Art lover
The pandemic locked me in my home, but it also created the opportunity to come home to myself – initiating a fertile period for re-viewing, re-connecting, re-shaping, re-routing, re-rooting, ... and numerous other re-words. I am sure you can relate to all or some of the above.
'Everyday Custodian'
For the past year and a half prior to the lockdown I had so completely disconnected from my art that I truly felt I would never paint again. To my surprise, two weeks into lockdown, I got up one morning and started painting again. These paintings obviously reflect the introspective mood unlocked by the lockdown.
See full series below
They are a continuation of my Bug-series (since 2002) – born from my passion for the very small creatures (insects). The butterfly, beautiful symbol of transformation, appears in six of the paintings. Its presence carries hope, encouragement and a reminder that life is in continual flux. Change unlocks new opportunities, new ways of being on the planet. A praying mantis in the work titled ‘ Reboot 2020’ symbolises stillness, focus and the choosing of a course of action which has in mind the welfare of all creatures.
What took me by surprise was the intensity with which these 7 paintings re-awakened in me a sense of urgency to, through my art, encourage everyday custodianship of nature. We are witnessing the dawning of a new era in which it is a matter of great urgency for every human to help conserve biodiversity.
Being an everyday custodian is not about grand gestures. It is about re-considering our everyday attitudes and actions towards the natural world. An everyday custodian remembers that a caterpillar is a butterfly in progress. And a human is not more important than a bee – every specie is a link in a very long chain.
One of my most powerful childhood memories was observing my aunt removing a worm from her home and placing it gently outside on a plant. I believe witnessing this caring gesture planted the seed of my life-long love for small creatures, especially insects.
If you have any comments or would like to buy any of the 7 paintings, or a print, please contact me at edna@ednafouriegallery.co.za I am now selling my art online.
POR for the oil paintings (29 x 29cm framed)
POR for a print on 100% 308g cotton paper (26 x 26cm + white border, unframed)
I would love to hear from you.
Warmest regards
Edna
The Simple Custodian
