2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

A Blog Post series, written during the 2 Week Lock Down Extension in South Africa as a result of the Corona Virus Pandemic.

Every day a different post was made to my social media plug in on Facebook.

Day 35: Thoughts of Freedom from Robben Island

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Thoughts of Freedom from Robben Island, view of Table Mountain© Don's Art

Thursday 30 April 2020/ 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

Thoughts of Freedom from Robben Island

Twice I’ve had the opportunity to spend a night on Robben Island. Not for leisure but for work, not under shelter but out in the open. Temperatures can plummet quite drastically on the island after sundown, particularly when you are exposed to the elements. It was of course a remarkable experience and the sunrise from Robben Island is a most welcome and beautiful sight.

It did of course get me thinking about the incarceration of our former president, Nelson Mandela. The legend of his life and the meaning of ultimate freedom. Since the beginning of the lock down I have written a daily ramble of my thoughts, reflecting back on moments in my life that had some significance to me personally. I successfully made it through 5 weeks, dedicating at least 2 hours each morning to this task … (the crowd goes wild) Thank you to those who have given feedback, it is most appreciated and gave the motivation to continue.

My very first post was a reflection on freedom, it seems fitting to end this 5 week cycle with a similar sentiment. I personally believe Mandela was free long before he was released from prison. He was not subjected to isolation solely by the walls that hindered his physical liberties. He was free both in mind and spirit. The power of this freedom ultimately led to the unfolding moments in South African history that we are all familiar with but in many ways now seem to have been forgotten as they drift into the archives.

Thoughts of Freedom as a Nation

What does it mean for us as a nation now? The appearance of it is that we are a people still largely dictated to by our metaphorical shackles. I do believe however that many of us, during this time, have tried to delve a little deeper into the meaning of life. The answers don’t appear altogether clear at times. Confusion and chaos seem to be the order of the day.

Whatever awaits us on the road ahead I believe now is a time for critical thinking. The reason for the current state of affairs is debatable on many levels. I’m not going to go down that road, but I will say this. We have arrived at an experience that has clearly revealed how vulnerable our illusion of freedom and liberties truly are. Not just in our country but on a global scale. The opportunistic phantom powers of the day would have us engage in fear of each other, largely driven by hysterical media propagation.

Now is a time more than ever to exercise patience, humility, kindness and love … with each other. To recognise that as a species our survival depends on the mechanisms of community.  The strength of any community is built through interaction, collaboration and innovation. The law of the land requires social distancing and hiding behind masks … so be it. How do we as a people rise above these obstacles set before us? Fear is definitely not the solution.

I believe that life is not merely physical, but that it exists in multiple realms. The war we are facing is not just on a physical level, it is a war that exists in these realm and it is a war that exists within ourselves. The great masters were indeed correct, the ultimate power to overcome any obstacle is love. It’s not just a nice thing to say, but a conscious act. To love ourselves, to love our body, to love our mind, to love our souls, to love each other, to love this world, our home.

Do we have the courage to do so? Do we have the courage to confront the things that no longer serve us?

Day 34: Fish River Canyon

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Fish River Canyon, photo journal Hike, Namibia © Don's Art

Wednesday 29 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

Fish River Canyon

Descent into the abyss

I never used to consider myself much of a hiker, though there has always been a level of curiosity to explore the unknown. There was a chapter in my life where I was not very kind to my body … or my mind for that matter.  Then there was a phase in my life where everything collapsed, seemingly.  The world of illusion, my world of ‘reality’ was ripped like the proverbial rug from under me.

I lost everything, or so I thought, from relationships to material possessions. I had no money, I had no work. The prospect for the future seemed somewhat bleak.

It was in this broken state that a remarkable opportunity came my way. Through a strange sequence of events I was invited to join an expedition to the Fish River Canyon as the photographer. I was unfit and I was unhealthy and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. A long trail of pain and suffering awaited me as we descended into the belly of the earth.

From my journal, “The descent into the Fish River Canyon can be compared to entering some kind of birth canal. It really shakes you vigorously, somewhat painfully out of your comfort zone. But on reaching the river at the bottom you enter a whole new world.”

An unsettling phone call

Through all the anguish, though grateful for the experience, I was relieved when it was finally over. Feeling rather tender still days after my return I received a phone call from my friend and associate Kersten Mosig, “Donald I have some bad news for you” Kersten has always had a wicked sense of dry humour. I immediately though I had done something wrong, not quite fulfilling the expectations as the photographer. After a pause he continued, “You must start your preparations to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro three weeks from now.”

This would prove to be another journey of awakening. Evidently I had not been broken enough. A story for another chapter, bringing its own release of freedom. After breaking many internal thresholds, hiking through the wilderness has since become somewhat addictive. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to join a variety of expeditions over the last few years. Having traversed through Fish River Canyon several times, there are added memories of having also led a team through this unspoilt wonderland together with my son.

Emerging from the cracks

In this barren landscape one would assume that there is not much to see except rocks, boulders and sand. I have always been amazed as to just how much life exists in the abyss. I wonder what new life and opportunity will emerge from this lockdown experience.

There seems to be much pain and suffering all around. Some of which becomes unfathomable, given that I have limited comprehension what some people might be going through. I wonder how we will emerge from this experience. In amongst all the bad news, there are many stories of humanity unfolding. I am quietly optimistic that through the pain of the experience there is still hope for a new world. I sincerely hope so.

Day 33: Life is a Beach

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Life as a Beach,mixed media, © Don's Art

Tuesday 28 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

Life is a Beach

Vanishing Liberties

This experience has seemingly taken away many of our liberties. Life is a beach and then you die?

What will be amongst the first things we do once we are unbridled?

For me, one of the things on top of the list includes a long walk on the beach … potentially along with the rest of the country with our tailored masks, monitored by drone police to observe strict social distancing. In Fishoek these would probably include matriarchs peering out their windows with sniper binoculars. I might need to find a more secluded beach.

Longing for that walk on the beach, It is interesting though how we can spend a substantial amount of our lives longing for the next moment. Literally wishing our lives away. Even worse is living in regret for from previous moments. Life is a beach and then you die, as you get pummeled by wave after wave.

Remaining Present

I need to practice being more present. It’s all about perspective right? Perhaps life is a series of moments, like the frames on a film strip or a stop animation. The energy I bring to it is like the light shining through, projecting it onto the film screen called my life. One tends to get carried away with the drama of the story, forgetting that I am the director of this production. My experience of it depends on my association with this moment.

I might be confined to my quarters, but in my mind I am still free. Life is a beach, full of embrace. The ocean is vast and mysterious, I will never know her completeness, her dark depths, her numerous currents. But the ocean of life in all her magnitude breaks upon my beach. I am humbled by this.

Day 32: Truth

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Title:Truth. Pen + Ink © Don's Art

Monday 27 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

Truth

Pen and ink illustration

Investigate, Discuss, Asses, Change.

Amongst all the information that we are immersed in now days, what is the truth ? We have a tendency to pay lip service to quotes by the great masters, as if they will somehow change the course of our destiny. It is only when we embody honesty within ourselves that change can be realised and our world begins to heal. What do you think?

Perhaps they were holding up a signboard to the direction we should go.

Perhaps now is a time to embody the message brought to us.

Perhaps this is the moment to become the masters of our own destiny.

Perhaps now is a time to know the truth.

Perhaps now is a time to be set free.

Here are a few insightful quotes on truth to whet the appetite:

Conquer the angry one by not getting angry; conquer the wicked by goodness; conquer the stingy by generosity, and the liar by speaking the truth. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth – Buddha

An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it – Mahatma Gandhi

Whoever is careless with the truth even in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters – Albert Einstein

The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth – Lao Tzu

Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness – Khalil Gibran

No single person, nobody of opinion, no political doctrine, no religious doctrine can claim a monopoly on truth – Nelson Mandela

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free – Jesus Christ

Day 31: Existential Sundown

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Existential sundown. Oil on Canvas. © Don's Art

Sunday 26 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension Reflection

Title: Existential Sundown. Oil on canvas 90cm by 1.5 meters

This abstract oil painting which I completed in 2006, was translated from an art piece done by my daughter, created when she was about four years old.
I think one can learn much from a child’s honest approach to art – I loved the bold use of colour and simple use of form. It reminds me of that dream state feeling, whilst watching a sunset.

This lockdown has resulted in the physical separation from both my kids … now young adults. Needless to say I miss them dearly. Communication through technology has its benefits, but it can never replace the real thing.

Certain probabilities nowadays seem to be disappearing into a world of fantasy.

But yet I still dream of a world where we can once again picnic on rolling grass under a radiant sky.

I dream of a world where we are not required to hide behind masks, where the human touch is not a crime.

I dream of a world where the concept of community is expressed through the collaboration of stories, ideas, laughter, music and dance.

I dream of the confederation of humanity

I dream of an existential sundown

I dream

Day 30: Matter of Life & Death

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matter of life and death, cartoon illustration © Don's Art

Saturday 25 April 2020 / 2 Weeks lock Down Extension

The Life & Death of Illustration

During the course of my art career I’ve regurgitated a substantial amount of illustration work. If I had to be perfectly honest, I can’t say I ever enjoyed the process much. It was more a means to an end in bringing food to the table. A matter of life and death. Using my talent to fit into the narrow channels of a brief was often met with, ”No, that’s not what we were asking for, please redo the illustration but with these changes …”  

Unable to freely express my own creative license as to how I interpreted the brief, at times, was met with this kind of resistance. Being a slave to the money, just like the rest of us, I was obliged to comply, leaving me with that hollow feeling that I had somehow been exploited, that I had successfully prostituted myself with my creative gift to fulfill the expectations of another. This of course was not always the case, there were many enjoyable experiences too that challenged my progress in learning new skills.

Memories from the Archives

Going through my archives I came across this illustration. It did make me smile a little, though on the darker side of humour, given what the world is experiencing right now. Pity I did not include a syringe on the table, it would have made it more topical, but let’s not go down that rabbit hole. I don’t wish to be brandished by the thought police.

The meaning behind the illustration is that there is no doubt a hidden agenda to what we believe is really going on, at the best of times. This is driven primarily … and very successfully on our receptive behavior to fear. We see the tip of the iceberg, but not the totality of the iceberg itself. The truth is that we are all going to die, at some point, in various kinds of ways. I believe we should try to take ourselves less seriously. What is worse, way worse, is that through our blinded obsession with fear, we have forgotten how to truly live.

Life is in my Hands

Today I will practice more gratitude; for the feel of the sun on my face or the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves. For the people in my life that I care about … and even for those that I believe I don’t. For the ability at this point to still reason, to think, to create, to love.

Life, the experience of it, is beautiful. It should be cherished.

Day 29: Piranha

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piranha head, Brazil © Don's Art

Friday 24 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

 

Piranha

The silence has been broken

The news is on again

More forecasts have been spoken

More looming clouds of pain

My heart is all but broken

The world has gone insane

When will the seed be awoken?

It’s all such a mental drain     

  

Piranhas are freshwater fish that mostly inhabit South American rivers, floodplains, lakes and reservoirs. Due to the legendary tales of these flesh eating predators, I had hoped to come across some of them to fulfill my expectations of dogmatic fantasy.

The only piranha I ever came across (besides all the stuffed specimens on tourist shelves) was the remains of one sticking out the sand. I was delighted on the find and immediately imagined the piranha head back home mounted on a mantle-piece or part of some random work of art. The decision was soon met with regret the following morning when my backpack started to smell somewhat fishy … and so I had to unfortunately discard the head.

Some interesting facts about piranhas:

Although often described as extremely predatory and mainly feeding on fish, their dietary habits vary extensively, and they will also eat plant material, leading to their classification as omnivorous.   

Piranhas have one of the strongest bites found in bony fishes. Relative to body mass, the black piranha produces one of the most forceful bites measured in vertebrates. This extremely powerful and dangerous bite is generated by large jaws. These strong jaws combined with finely serrated teeth make them adept at tearing flesh.

Although often described as extremely dangerous in the media, piranhas typically do not represent a serious risk to humans; as with all things in nature, it is usually the other way around. However, attacks can occur, especially when the piranhas are in a stressed situation, such as in dense groups when the water is lower during the dry season and food is relatively scarce. They are often considered a nuisance by fishermen since they steal bait, eat catches, damage fishing gear and may bite when accidentally caught. Most piranha attacks on humans only result in minor injuries, typically to the feet or hands, but they are occasionally more serious and very rarely can be fatal.

Mass Media Piranha

On a metaphorical level piranhas remind me somewhat of the mass media. Locals had told me that it was safe to swim with piranhas in the water, though I was not entirely convinced. Be that as it may, piranhas only tend to go into a feeding frenzy when they smell blood and when there is a lot of splashing from stressed movement in the water. If you don’t believe me, just watch this crazy testing of the waters here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SuNIoS1yxA

The point is that during this time we should try at best to remain calm, within one’s soul, within one’s thoughts, within one’s body. The mass media (and social media for that matter) has this tendency to exacerbate an already stretched situation. If anything, the biggest threat we face is the pandemic of fear. Before we know it we are agitating the energy around us, hemorrhaging vibrations of fear. Losing our senses we suddenly find ourselves been ripped apart by countless razor sharp teeth of the hysterical mass media.

Day 28: War: painting Guernica

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war: Painting Guernica © Don's Art

Thursday 23 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

War: Painting Guernica

Some years back I was commissioned to paint a recreation of the famous Guernica mural by Picasso.                                   Acrylic on supawood 83 cm x 1.9 meters.

You can see a documentation of the step by step process here:

   

The intention was to create something as close to the original as possible, using no projection, only traditional methods. In mapping out the cubist lines of this piece I was once again inspired by the skill of the Old Masters. I found the integrity of the cubist form and line work to truly reflect the work of a genius.

Picasso’s War: Painting Guernica

Exhibited in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, Guernica is regarded by critics as one of Picasso’s best known works and as one of the most moving and powerful anti-war paintings in history. The original piece which is 3.49 meters tall and 7.76 meters across portrays the suffering of people and animals wrought by violence and chaos. Picasso painted Guernica at his home in Paris in response to the bombing of Guernica, a Basque Country town in northern Spain, by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy at the request of the Spanish Nationalists.

Horrors of War

Because a majority of Guernica’s men were away, fighting on behalf of the Republicans at the time of the bombing, the town was populated mostly by women and children. These demographics are reflected in Guernica. The women and children make Guernica the image of victimisation of innocent, defenseless humanity. Women and children have often been portrayed by Picasso as the very perfection of mankind. Such an assault is, in Picasso’s view, was directed at the core of humanity.

Guernica at the United Nations

A full-size tapestry copy of Picasso’s Guernica, by Jacqueline de la Baume Dürrbach was hung at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City at the entrance to the Security Council room. It was displayed first from 1985 to 2009, and returned in 2015. On 5 February 2003 a large blue curtain was placed to cover this work at the UN, so that it would not be visible in the background when Colin Powell and John Negroponte gave press conferences at the United Nations. On the following day, it was claimed that the curtain was placed there at the request of television news crews, who had complained that the wild lines and screaming figures made for a bad backdrop, and that a horse’s hindquarters appeared just above the faces of any speakers. Some diplomats, however, in talks with journalists claimed that the Bush administration pressured UN officials to cover the tapestry, rather than have it in the background while Powell or other US diplomats argued for war on Iraq.

Watch this fascinating documentary on Guernica

Reflecting on some things we are facing as a species presently:

We are at war, both internally and externally.

We hide behind masks, both literal and figurative.

We fear each other and the truth.

   

“If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the heart.”
Lao Tzu

Day 27: Clouds

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clouds, Amazon River © Don's Art

Wednesday 22 April 2020 / 2 weeks Lock Down Extension

Clouds

In the face of looming clouds

Sometimes I need to stop

Be still

Remembering that behind the world of appearances

The sun always shines

Photo: In transit on a modest passenger ferry boat, crossing the Rio Negro, tributary to the Amazon River.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Day 26: Spiders

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spiders © Don's Art

Tuesday 21 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

Spiders

We have a new visitor that has taken up residence during our confinement. Isn’t she a beautiful spider?

A Compromised Spider Web

I grew up under the generation of thinking that believed that anything that crawled across the threshold, great or small, should be bludgeoned to death.  Needless to say that spiders did not have much life expectancy in the house. They were either met with mother’s slipper of death or tortured with the chemical warfare of a Doom insecticide. Ironically, in some quarters of South Africa these days, a few local pastors seem to associate members of their congregation with spiders.

Spider Education

Some years back I had the opportunity to illustrate some youth educational books, one of which was all about spiders. Much fascinated research was given to the project. I found myself completely captivated by these endearing and complex creatures.

Some Interesting Facts

Spiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs, so they are not to be confused with insects. Even though their fangs can inject venom, most spiders are of the garden variety and harmless to humans, much against the grain of mainstream spider dogma. They rank seventh in total species diversity among all orders of organisms. Spiders are found worldwide on every continent except for Antarctica, and have become established in nearly every habitat with the exceptions of air and sea colonisation. As of July 2019, at least 48,200 spider species, and 120 families have been recorded by taxonomists. Did you know that most spiders have eight eyes?

Working with Nature

These days it is a criminal offense to kill a spider in the house.
Relocating a spider is easy and can be fun as well as educational. By simply taking an empty jar and placing the opening over the spider, it becomes trapped. Gently sliding a piece of paper underneath closes the jar enough to be able to then tip the jar over still holding the paper down, blocking the escape and avoiding direct contact.

You can put a lid on the jar and observe for a while if you wish, but please do set the spider free.

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