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:
