Mono printing workshop

I really only go onto Facebook for possible ideas for the weekend. I follow Print on Paper and saw they were offering a Mono Printing workshop. 

I thought it was a one colour print, so I prepared all my artwork accordingly. But no, it was not that at all - it’s the one, single print of  whatever you create on the silkscreen. The medium you execute the artwork in must be water-based so it will transfer to paper. 

There were some amazing artists there, doing some beautiful work, some experimenting that turned out very well. My vision and the execution did not line up, but that’s nothing new. I had great fun though, wonderful to explore something new, make the shift from your preconceived idea to reality, adapting to the medium. a long day from some reward and some disappointment. The disappointments are in the trash.

Bougainvillea summer

I’s early summer and the bougainvillea is just awesome. 

Everywhere you go it appears in the most vibrant of colours. My brother has this yellow/golden bougainvillea that is breathtaking. 

In my own garden the cerise is so intense that it is tinting the walls pink, inside and out, and adds a blush to your skin as you pass by. The confetti of fallen petals has collected on the garden floor and has created a soft carpet. Very pretty.

Walks on the beach

My brother and I had to travel to the Southern Cape for a family matter. Not the greatest of circumstances but it gave us some time together which we haven’t really had for the longest time. Last time we spent 3 - 4 days together, on our own, was 30 years ago when we went to Londolozi. It is wonderful to have the time to spend with a sibling who is also your best friend.

We had early morning walks on the beach, collected shells, saw dolphins, had good lunches and tasty braais for dinner at our brother’s house.

This was in June. I should have made some notes on my thoughts and feelings then. Now, all these months later, and with so much that has happened since I cannot connect to the sentiment of the trip.

However, see below the awesome pics.

15 minutes from the airport to the beach

My brother was driving and I was just taking pictures. It was a wonderful time of day, the lighting and the mood were perfect.

Asleep between the earth and the sea

If you have seen this before then just ignore this entry. I have looked for it and can’t find it so I must assume that I did not post it.

Earlier this year I went through a tie-dye phase. I had seen a really lovely throw at Weylandts and thought: Hmm, I can do that. Or course when you’re inspired by something you shouldn’t copy it but have to change it up so you can claim it as your own work. I used earthy colours and blues (Weylandts was a navy blue wash) and this is the result. It is reversable, the one side more earthy, the other side more blue. Pillowcases to match.

Someone saw it on Instagram and wanted me to make them a set, but I didn’t. The cost, without the labour, is very expensive and at that price they would be better off shopping at Weylandts. 

I am a fan of Weylandts products and vision.

Smeagol

This is Smeagol, my friend’s cool cat. Smeagol lives a life of pampering, comfort and love. 

I made the artwork up from a photograph I took.

Don't trust boys

Some wisdom comes too late. I drove past a woman walking down the road, she was wearing a blue t-shirt stretched over her pregnancy with the slogan: Don't trust boys.