Back to my jubilant moments..... the fascination of the skies started as a child as we had telescopes in the household and were forever looking at the moon, stars and satellites. Our holidays in the nature and game reserves away from all the distraction of electricity enabled us to witness magnificent views of the constellations.
Earlier this year South Africa was awarded the majority partnership alongside Australia to host the world's largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The SKA in SA will be located mainly in the Northern Cape Province with the core of the telescope being located in the Karoo Regions, with outlying stations spread throughout SA, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Hence my 'jubilation'!
Pieced background from a pack of dyed fabrics from a wonderful local source, Amafu (see pic below) ; painted applique sky and simply stitched. The contrast on the dishes are pastels and pencil.
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?
ReplyDeleteGreat simplicity and fascinating subject, Phil.
ReplyDeleteI Love your interpretation and the way you have used the pastels and pencils to create the sense of vastness of the land. I really like the way you have put it all together and created something very interesting and informative.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done, the telescopes look like something out of a science fiction movie. Love the sky.
ReplyDeleteSka? I thought we were going to have more music for a while. I always learn from pieces Phil and this one is no exception. The sky is glorious.
ReplyDeletelovely piece phil. yes - i read with horror this morning of how the sa government seems to be turning the blame of the whole mining massacre onto the workers! how awful. i spent a glorious few weeks in south africa during july/august and came back so happy at how every seems to be working. since coming back to canada, i have been following the news about a new brand of racism that has reared its head in south africa as well as the mining massacre. i am so happy that your piece reflects something that south africans can be proud of! you have dealt with the subject beautifully - great idea and design and choice of fabrics
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interpretation of the theme. Good use of fabrics, and I too like the feeling of vastness in the land.
ReplyDeleteBrought back happy memories of those incredible night skies in Botswana. When you have no light pollution the sky at night is a sight never forgotten. I have never seen the Milky Way here in the UK. SKA - definitely something to celebrate. Love the effects you have achieved in the sky. African sunsets are often stunning. Hilary
ReplyDeleteYour piece has a surreal feel to it. I can almost hear them talking to the universe. Lovely construction too.
ReplyDeleteYour work consistently communicates color, texture, and images about South Africa. I love learning through your work and your written explanations. You have inspired me to share my cultural influences in my art work. Thank you!
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