In this series I continue my work with ‘sense of place’ by creating veld studies and landscape paintings of South Eastern Botswana.

My connection to Botswana is a romantic one, as my partner, Colin Campbell, spent his childhood communing and connecting with the natural world here. The paintings originate from visits which were guided by Colin and his brother Niall, who are both locally-trained African medicine doctors. My encounters are infused by traditional stories and nostalgic memories shared by my guides about each place and their sadness around the rapidly disappearing natural and cultural heritage of Botswana.

The brothers and I communed with the sacred hill at Manyelanung, the rainmaking Modipe Hill and the birthplace of humans at Matsieng. We watched the moon rise as the setting sun stretched our shadows at Mogonye. We visited Fikeng, Kolobeng and we encountered the beautiful place of Ntlhantle during an unfolding dusk. Ntlhantle: In the Direction of Beauty is a tribute to these special places.