Showcasing Jozi
March 23, 2023
Just like our preference for tea or coffee, so is our preference for art. It is very personal. It is subjective, which is perfectly acceptable.
Where it all began - the cup
I commenced with this art journey just as the covid pandemic struck. The pandemic not only induced us all into a state of panic and fear but also forced us to question most things we know and understand as our “reality”. Maybe a cliche, but this is how it unfolded…
I realised between the quiet and the chaos that I had a creative energy inside me that had been bottled up for years and needed to not only escape but explode.
So, it did, eventually, in loads of bright colour!
One afternoon (whilst in hard lockdown) I scratched in the cupboard for paper, pen and pencils. I drew a circle with an old plastic plate and filled it with basic drawings, shapes and colour. No plan, just whatever came to mind. I shared this circle with a very dear friend who interpreted the “mandala” and encouraged me to attend a Mandala course with her towards the end of 2021.
I learnt that a true mandala isn't really planned. As Lorna said, most of the work that appears during the process arises from our subconscious. There was an additional aspect to this process that was also a hidden gem: the interpretation of the piece, after completing it. So, there was not only a visual aspect of this interesting circle but also deep personal meaning. Interpretations dependent on the viewer. Learning that there is also delight in what others see, that you can’t.
Letting the tea bag steep
Since the beginning of 2022, I have spent a good portion of my spare time on this new fun filled hobby. I made a commitment to myself that at night, instead of watching tv, or spending time scrolling on my phone, I would do something constructive, for myself, that fed me positively, and uplifted me. At the same time, I would develop a new skill that defined me differently.
I have played with many different mediums and techniques, testing what I enjoy most and letting my own personal style evolve with some medium preferences. There is one rule that I have, when I create, I create for myself. It may, or it may not have a purpose or story, it may not have a deep message. It may just be.
My art may or may not even be your cup of tea.
I have experienced several instances where my art has moved, where it has provided joy, and has been deeply appreciated. This has been a personal bonus and is currently stored in a chest of treasures.
I have developed my Instagram profile and website to document what I get up to and to inspire others to seek something different, to not limit, and more importantly believe in themselves. With many of my pieces, I have realised we are capable of anything we set our heart and minds to. You must just find “what grabs you”.
LBplayswithart is simply “my cup of tea”.
Enjoy,
