Arcadia

2026
Stone lithograph
Edition of 12
Paper Size: 285 x 385 mm
Image Size: 155 x 220 mm

Price is for unframed artwork

This beautiful archaic medium is such a joy to work in. The natural stone is cool and sensitive, drawing is a meditative and calculated process while printing requires sensitivity and precision. I am really enjoying making what is emerging as a continuing series of drawings based on the multiple views of Table Mountain that Cape Town affords. You may remember my view of Devil’s Peak last year, this year I have been captivated by the views from Wynberg Park.

Wynberg park is one of the old Victorian-era parks in the city. It still retains traces of a series of paved promenade walks and donated fountains. Japanese pine trees, camelias, exotic palms, bamboo groves and tree ferns still survive from yesteryear amid the newer return and celebration of indigenous flora.

The structuring of colonial gardens in order to mimic an ideal of beauty from the motherland has always been a fascination for me. In this view of the Constantia-berg I highlight the traces of the picturesque in the way this suburban landscape was occupied. Titled “Arcadia” the print winks at ideals of peaceful natural harmony and simple pleasures, being both a celebration of the landscape now while recognising the impact of colonial history on our natural inheritance today.

Creating the print coincided with a brief term school holiday so I was delighted to include two little assistants, my son and my niece, in the printing of the Artist’s Proofs. I adored the look of wonder on their faces as the process unfolded and I was swathed in questions and excited dancing.