A recent post by Isabel Crouse (https://www.instagram.com/p/C4n3KoqqeBz/) , a watercolorist who paints the most exquisite flowers, made me reflect deeply on the value of art in this modern day. Inspired by her words, I'd like to share my thoughts with you.
Painting has been a saving grace for me. I struggled for many years with deep depression, and no amount of talking or lamenting about my existential crises seemed to change anything. For years, I knew I loved painting, but there was always a nagging voice in the back of my mind questioning how I could support myself and make a living from it. I stopped talking about art, stopped looking at it, and even stopped thinking about it to such an extent that most people who met me after school did not even know it was one of my passions. After COVID, I realized that I needed to change my perspective; the way I was living was unsustainable. So, instead of trying to adhere to society’s preconceived notions of where one should be at a certain age and who one should be, I turned inward and began listening to the gentle, inner voice that had been trying to guide me all along.
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “What others think of you is none of your business.” I started taking that quite literally. I allowed outside chatter to fade away and turned my full attention inward to the soft guiding voice in the depths of my soul. I realized that staying away from what you love separates you from universal interconnectedness, and the sadness that had dwelt within me was a way for me to see – this is not the right path for me. In the same way, I realized that jealousy can be a guide too; it tells you where you want to go, what you want to do, and how you use that feeling defines you, not the feeling itself.
When I was 18, I painted only portraits, but now I am drawn to nature, particularly the changing aspects of light in landscapes. I was unbelievably lucky to visit Uithoek farm in Elandsbay next to Verlorenvlei, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. There, I realized that nature gives us moments where the light is so incandescent, and the colours are so vivid, that it makes my heart sing. I started searching for these moments, and through the search and the act of painting them, I healed.
Oliver Sacks, a British neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and writer, mentions: “I cannot say exactly how nature exerts its calming and organizing effects on our brains, but I have seen in my patients the restorative and healing powers of nature and gardens, even for those who are deeply disabled neurologically. In many cases, gardens and nature are more powerful than any medication.
The role that nature plays in health and healing becomes even more critical for people working long days in windowless offices, for those living in city neighbourhoods without access to green spaces, for children in city schools, or for those in institutional settings such as nursing homes. The effects of nature’s qualities on health are not only spiritual and emotional but physical and neurological. I have no doubt that they reflect deep changes in the brain’s physiology, and perhaps even its structure.”
For me, painting has evolved into a profound dialogue with the universe. Each stroke of my brush is a conversation with the majestic and magical forces of nature that surround me. I find myself consistently in the right place at the right time, encountering awe-inspiring scenes that motivate my work.
Over time, I've noticed something remarkable: my painted landscapes draw in those who seek solace and connection with nature's embrace. Painting, to me, is more than just a creative act—it's a form of communication. It is a way of imparting knowledge from one soul to another so that it might live on and grow in beauty and expression. It is a conduit for sharing the profound beauty and healing power of nature with others. It transcends mere representation, becoming a vehicle for understanding and connection between individuals and the universe itself. With each stroke, I strive to capture the essence of the world around me and invite others to join in this enriching dialogue.
Cezanne says that: ‘Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one's sensations. Art is a harmony parallel with nature. Shadow is a colour as light is, but less brilliant; light and shadow are only the relation of two tones.”
Art is a journey of self-discovery, a canvas upon which I explore my true nature. Painting, in particular, embodies contrasts: smooth strokes juxtaposed with textured layers, vibrant hues against subtle tonalities, echoing the complexities of existence. Life mirrors this duality, with its contrasts of warmth and chill, illumination and shadow, love and animosity, fear and faith. Everything in life is governed by contrast, and it is only through learning how to balance these contrasts that we find ourselves. By reframing or using emotions typically perceived as negative—fear, hate, jealousy—as guiding lights, we unearth the beauty of life. Beauty itself transcends mere appearance; it's an intuitive sense, a compass guiding us to the essence of tranquillity and joy.
In essence, art and life converge in their exploration of contrasts and the pursuit of balance. Through this intricate dance, we uncover the depths of our souls and embrace the richness of existence.
Klosterman's insight that "Art and Love are the same thing: it’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you" is profoundly resonant. In today's media landscape, dominated by narratives of death, destruction, and fear, there's a poignant call to redirect our focus towards the timeless solace of nature and art.
In turning away from the relentless stream of negativity that often consumes our attention, we rediscover the power of simplicity and the wisdom inherent in reconnecting with our inner selves. Nature and art offer us a sanctuary—a space where we can pause, reflect, and listen to the whispers of our own souls.
In this return to the essence of beauty and creativity, we find not only solace but also a path to rediscovering our true selves. It's a journey that can serve as a beacon of hope in tumultuous times, offering a saving grace amidst the chaos of modern existence.
I leave you with the words of Kurt Vonnegut: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.
All my love,
Santjie