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Saturday, 24 August 2019

Nine years later

Nine years seems to be a long time, but, honestly the last nine have gone by in a flash. On 24th August 2010, I wrote the first post for Art Matters. Today’s post is something of an anniversary celebration. 

The posts haven’t always been regular but I have kept to my original aim - I would publish when I had something to say, and in that I am pleased with the way the blog has evolved.




Wild Weather, Tasman Peninsula - 610 mm x 610 mm oil and cold wax on panel 


The first post - A new beginningmarked the beginning of a new stage in my life as I prepared to emigrate to Australia. My words went out into cyberspace and I had no idea if anyone noticed or if they even read the posts. For quite a while there was no response, and no comments. To be honest, in the beginning I had no clue about how to find the blog analytics to see how many readers there had been! Eventually, in September, a couple of comments started to appear. There was someone out there after all.

Even though the reader numbers were modest, I persevered and continued to document the packing up of my old life and preparation for a new life in a new country. The blog proved to be good therapy for these rather scary times. Over the years I've enjoyed writing the posts. It's been a vehicle where I can show and document my work.

During the first years I had to be patient and wait for the phone to ring or a query arrive in my inbox. Now I am in the pleasurable situation where work and opportunities come to me

My life in Brisbane is full and happy. I have a group of wonderful artists attending classes in my Studio. I have had some success with paintings, commissions and art exhibition entries.

Frequently I sit back and reflect on just how amazing my life is here. Hard as it was to leave family and friends behind in South Africa, I am so grateful for the opportunities I have enjoyed in Australia.


Riverside Trees - oil on linen 

This painting was the winner of the Grand Prize at the Nundah Village Art Show in September 2015.

A couple of years later, this portrait came second at the same show. It’s a special feeling to have one’s work honoured in the way.



Dan - watercolour on Ampersand clayboard. 

Frequently I sit back and reflect on just how amazing my life is here. Hard as it was to leave family and friends behind in South Africa, I am so grateful for the opportunities I have enjoyed in Australia.





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