Anywhere but here

So this is the story, not all of it (because I need something to write in the rest of the new posts I have planned and also because it's a loooong bloody story) but enough to partially explain my unexpected silence for such a large portion of this year.

I am divorced. Believe me, nobody was expecting this less than I was but there it is.

The basics are that I left Clive in the middle of the night, ran away to Cape Town because my car broke down and my sister offered to take me in, lived in various friends' homes for 2 months with no income and no clue what to do, stayed in a homeless shelter for a night,  got put on anti-anxiety and ant-depressant meds, eventually got the courts to help me get back home and (after a legal wrangle) ended up divorced. All within 4 months.

I am grateful that it was quick.

During all the moving around and paper-shuffling that goes with this type of thing, I lost my ability to upload stuff to my blog, which is probably just as well considering my psychological state at the time (nobody likes a 30 year old emo kid).

Today I logged back in for the first time in a very, very long time and the paintings you see here are just 5 of more than 50 pieces I have on show at the Knysna Art Gallery for my first solo exhibition.

You can bet I'll be uploading more very, very soon! ;)

One thing divorce does, aside from stealing all your time, energy and sanity,  is to provide almost limitless material for desolate, angsty paintings. I'm sure you can see this in the works below.

As a result of a very tight deadline and repeated studio relocation, my style has simplified, my subject matter has expanded and my working time has decreased by about 90%. All these are good things. Most of what has happened in the last 6 months has resulted in good things and for that I am also truly grateful.

Was it worth the pain?

I'll let you know when I know.

For now, I'm exhibiting, selling and trying to find stability. So far, so good. :)

 

After the Fall

 Oh, Girl

 Sharp Turn

 The Haven ( Night-Shelter)

Self-Portrait from Life