Colours

I was recently reminded of the tremendous variety that KwaZulu Natal has to offer tourists. Ballito lies at the heart of that area – well within the reach of sea, mountains, game reserves and historic sites and more. Again, it struck me what a privilege it is to be an artist, surrounded by such beauty and variety! Artists are deeply affected by the world around them - they constantly take in visual images and create pictures in their minds.

I was fortunate this week to attend a meeting in Durban, where six top Durban artists discussed a painting they had done and explained the process behind the work. The work varied tremendously: an abstract based on a Sodwana experience, birds at the Botanical Gardens, a street in Amanzimtoti, a narrative work having its roots in literature, baobab trees and reflections in a puddle of water on a studio step. All of the work was of a very high standard and the different ways in which the artists approached their work was inspiring to say the least. All of these works were firmly rooted in the artist’s experiences and the one thing that they all had in common was a tremendous passion for what they were doing.

Should not the lush green rolling hills, the ochre and white sands and the deep blues and turquoise greens of our shoreline awake just a little of the artist in us? Indeed, there is within each of us that creative spirit. It is often surprising how many people have wished for a long time that they could further that artistic ability that has lain dormant since their school days. ISome even have sets of paints tucked away in the corner of a cupboard, all but forgotten!

Today would be a great day to take out the paint set, dust it off and make a start. What have you got to lose? Art students often comment on how they are learning to see the world differently and to look with greater perception. The worst that could happen is that you could have some fun, see the world around you a little more clearly and be inspired by the beauty that surrounds you!