Back to where it started

Today is one of those days. I'm sure you've all experienced it. It's not so much that you feel empty on the inside, it's more to do with the fact that something is missing. No, I'm not talking about a loved one or an organ. I'm talking about your home town, your birthplace, or the country you grew up in.

Lately my mind has been wandering. I sit and think about Cape Town. My birthplace, the city I came home to after holidays, the house I grew up in, the country I call my home.

I found myself staring at one of my empty walls, pondering what to with it. I feel like doing something special with it, not in the mood for the normal slap of paint. And since the wall has got a texture I sadly cant put up any wallpaper without to much hassle. So the answer to my problems seems to be a painting, or a series of paintings.

Dreaming of my roots, and listening to a bit of African music (Mango Groove, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg) it came to me!

Two or three paintings with Ndebele art.

The Ndebele are an african tribe located in South-Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Art has always been an important cultural part of their lives, and a way of keeping their identity. The Ndebele woman were held responsible for the painting of their houses, this was done without rulers or any other tools. The design and the colours that she would choose for her house would set her apart from the group, and show what kind of person she is. The designs are based on symmetrical and geometric shapes, outlined with a black line.

Traditionally they would use earth colours, made from ground ochre and different types of clay (white, brown, yellow and pink). Black was made from charcoal. Today due to availability you will find more commercial colours like shades of yellow, green, red and blue.

To my surprise I found a modern view on the Ndebele art, via Maxalot. The following wallpapers made me think about the many options there are when painting my own Ndebele art. It's not about just copying one of the Ndebele designs, it's about showing your own design, choosing your colours, and showing the world your own identity. In the end the most important thing is to stay true to yourself, and express your own individuality.

Images: Alison Wright Photography, Flickr, Maxalot