Exhibition: WILD & STILL - expressions of the landscape by Janet Botes

Of bird and beast

Janet Botes

Bone, wood, paint, wire and tequila bottle tops

37 x 15 x 16 cm

2014

 

Gogga II (left)

Janet Botes

Photo-transfer, paint, ink, rock and wood on wooden block

31.5 x 11 x 3.5 cm

2014

Elephant Beetle (Megasoma elephas) are part of the Scarabaeidae family and the subfamily Dynastinae. They are classified with the Neotropical rhinoceros beetles.

Tread softly, 

walk carefully

for there are life

all around us

Tread softly

consciously

there are creatures

here among us

Timber (right)

Janet Botes

Wood, rusted nails, paint, filler, varnish

39 x 17.5 x 15.5 cm

2014

Memoirs

Janet Botes

natural materials and collage on paper

20.5 x 14.5 cm

2014

These small collections from the landscape and remnants of human-made items capture moments or memories from being outside - whether walking in the street or walking in the mountain.

Primal sense

Janet Botes

Found bone, carved wood, and mixed media on wood

21 x 18 x 6 cm

2014

The natural softness or brittleness, but also hardness and resilience of bone and wood are accentuated, specifically with the textured background and the simplicity of this piece. On another level, however, the three carved twigs represent the three wise men or astrologers and the jaw bone to the work of medicine men or shamans - alluding to the sacred and primal quality of nature and our place within it.

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The sculptures (Of Bird and Beast and Timber) aim to capture a juxtaposition of the human need to make things lasting, permanent and unchanging, in contrast or opposition to the flux and transience in nature where the rhythms, seasons and cycles of growth and decay seem fleeting, even though it is as timeless as the mountains. It does this through the use of organic as well as inorganic materials - natural vs. synthetic, man-made. It symbolises the relationship between humans and animals, as well as humans and the landscape. 

Process Photos

as part of the preparation for the exhibition, showing material use:

More information about this exhibition