HRH Queen Elizabeth ll

With my Dad,  a flight engineer on the Liberators in WW2, and at one stage part of the Royal Air force, it was probably natural that I grew up with an immense love and respect for the Royal Family.

A while ago I did a portrait of Her Royal Highness for a competition. I did it in shades of pink, to depict her as I see her, the ultimate English Rose. Last year, in her centennial year, I sent her a letter with a photo of her portrait. I received a kind letter of gratitude in return, signed by one of her ladies in waiting.

Obviously with all of the programs on her and the other royals that featured recently as a tribute to her coronation, I could not help myself but watch each and everyone. Again, I was reminded of a remarkable woman, who found balance in being truly royal, but still compassionate, with a beautiful sense of humour. She managed to steer and re-invent the monarchy through 60 years of change, keeping perfect balance between tradition and the need to conform.

I have realized how the media (specifically photos) tend to portray her as emotionless and stern, where-as if one looks at video footage of the same events, one realizes how much she laughs. According to her grandchildren, she actually finds it extremely funny when things go wrong. The love and respect she has from her children, grandchildren and even parliamentarians are obvious.

Her positive influence on the economy, and as a matter of fact that of the whole royal family is astounding. She is the major catalyst for foreign trade and the income the UK generates through tourism is enormous. The income from tourism  exceeds the automotive manufacturing industry five times and  support almost as many jobs as the financial sector. The annual income from the palaces through tourism pay for their upkeep. With the Centennial celebrations being privately funded, one can be assured of the enormous boost to the UK economy. And so is every event where the royals are concerned. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding generated an estimate of 50mil pounds. Though taxpayer money was used for security, with the 1,1million tourists, as well as broadcasting sold to 140 countries, the total boost was estimated at 2 bil pounds. Economists reckon  that the birth of their baby will give a 243 mil pounds push to the economy.

Though cynics and critics will always be part of humanity, the success of the British Royal Family is an example to so many countries, this is clear looking at the attention they receive globally as well as the fact there are factions in other countries that are actually considering re-instating their monarchs.

This bond between monarch and people was started with the Queen’s Grandfather George V, continued with great success by her father GeorgeVl, but it is undeniable that HRH Queen Elizabeth ll, has had an immense impact, not only on Great Britain, but also globally.

As for me, I would be an extremely happy woman if one day, I too can curtsey this remarkable woman. God save the Queen.

My bath, my sanctuary

If ever I have the opportunity to build a house again, it will center around the bathroom. No more big lounges and braai-areas for entertainment, but rather a big bathroom, with a spa bath .Oh, and big glass doors that opens onto a private garden with a water feature, from  the Japanese philosophy that one’s house should extend into the garden.

I absolutely love to bath, I do so twice a day. With fragrant candles burning, therapeutic oils or salts, enriching soaps….. its “me” time. To me it’s not just about cleaning my physical body, but it’s also a spiritual experience. Yes I know, it sounds odd, being spiritual while lying in the bath naked. The stoic churchleaders will turn in their graves. But I figure clothes were made to hide from man, to present an image to others, but in my nudity, I’m just “me” before God – nothing to hide. I have my time in the morning when I meditate and do my studies, but when I bath, I just talk to God. I tell Him about my dreams, my worries, I plan my day and I sometimes cry.

When we visited Pompey a couple of years ago, I was amazed at the lovely public bath area they had. To think that at the time of Christ, these Romans already knew the value of having a good bath, contrary to public thinking that everybody before 1900 was filthy. These bath areas had their changing rooms, with hooks for your clothes, and seats for your slaves who watched over your belongings. The next room, you would be scrubbed with salts and then pampered with exotic oils. After that you would go for a hot bath. Because most of the upper class men would be there, these areas were also good for political debates and served as a place for doing business, basically like the golf-course today. Then there are the Turkish baths, The spa’s at Bath in England, Karlovy Vari in the Chech Republic, oh and many more. The value of the modern day spa, where not only do you get the “hot” and “cold” treatment, but different massages and alignments. All based on knowledge from yesteryear.

There is great value in a good bath. Yes, a shower saves water, and it’s quicker. I know most people just want to get rid of the dirt, but in these hectic times, instead of lying on the couch “relaxing” in front of the tv, rather have a long, relaxing bath in nourishing oils, with good music in the background.

Aaaaahhhh heavenly……….

Visiting art museums

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas.

It is the dream of almost every art-lover, whether artist or just admirer to visit the world’s famous art museums.

Visiting these museums can be an exciting, educational experience, but also an extremely tiring one. Standing in line for sometimes up to 2 hours at the Louvre in Paris or the Academia in Florence can be overwhelming, not to mention the amount of people inside. Some of these museums are so enormous, one would spend a whole day in them.

A couple of pointers when visiting Major Art Museums:

 Book your entry tickets before hand. Most of the museums have websites where one can acquire tickets. This saves a vast amount of time. When entering, take note whether you are allowed to take photos. In Italy it is not allowed, but most other Museums in Europe do not mind, as long as you don’t use a flash. Make use of the lockers for bags and coats, they do get heavy when strolling through the museum for a couple of hours.

When you visit a museum like the Louvre or Musee d’ Orsay, decide what tipe of art you are most interested in, whether Modern, Renaissance, Romantic, Sculptures, Egyptian etc. You might not have the time to do the whole museum.

Some of the most famous art museums include Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY; Tate Modern, London; The Hermitage, St Petersburg, Museum of Modern Art, NY; Uffizi, Florence; Louvre, Paris; Musee d’Orsay, Paris; Vatican Musuems, Rome; Smithsonian American Art, Washington. It is also worth mentioning that if you are a passionate follower of modern art the Guggenheim Museums in Venice, Bilbao and NY are not to be missed.

These are but a few, for in Europe every city has a couple of art museums, including artists’ own, like the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Salvador Dali in Paris, as well as the Musee Marmottan Monet in Paris.

For those who adore art, and there are millions, experiencing the beauty firsthand is the most exhilerating experience. Standing in front of the Mona Lisa or David just takes your breath away.

The impact of social and political art

Though a lot of people would state that they would not hang a political piece of art in their living room, it is also true that social and political art have an enormous impact on the art world and society. In the words of Beverly Smith “ True art, art that comes from the centre of people, from their very core, is inherently political.”

Probably Picasso's most famous work, Guernica is certainly  his most powerful political statement, painted as an immediate reaction to the Nazi's devastating casual bombing practice on the Basque town of Guernica during Spanish Civil War.Guernica shows the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts upon individuals, particularly innocent civilians. This work has gained a monumental status, becoming a perpetual reminder of the tragedies of war, an anti-war symbol, and an embodiment of peace.

South Africa has had many artists that made their mark in the art world through political art. William Kentridge’s  pieces were often inspired by aspects of social injustice that have transpired over the years in South Africa. Gerard Sekoto, Willie Bester and currently Johanes Phokela have all had an immense impact on the art world. So are there many contemporary artists who through their passion, see their art as a voice to make others aware of injustice.

“I don't think artists can avoid being political. Artists are the proverbial canaries in the coalmine. When we stop singing, it's a sure sign of repressive times ahead.” Theresa Bayer

If people open themselves up to understanding the message, they will be pleasantly surprised that political art can be beautiful too. It too will liven up a living room or office space, the only difference -  it will move you, it will make you look inside yourself, and just maybe it will change you.

“If everyone would paint, political re-education would be unnecessary.” Pablo Picasso

Good picture or a great painting

Whether it is on the streets of Rome, along the canals of Venice, at the Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence or at the Montmartre in Paris, street artists are hard at work, painting and selling to tourists. Mostly beautiful little paintings of the surroundings or a very good likeness of you or your family.

Why are these obviously talented artists still working on the streets? Why do they not exhibit in galleries or are their work not known?

When critics look at an artwork, there are a lot of aspects they consider, which set a painting, and therefore the artist, apart.

An important criteria is whether the painting is technically sound. That basically means  that they would see whether the artist knew the medium he painted in, well. When painting in oils, one would use different techniques than when using watercolours, as an example.

Also, the critics will identify whether an artist understood the subject painted. For example, in South Africa we see a lot of wildlife artists, but very little where the animal really comes alive. That happens when artists paint from what they see, without understanding the mechanics behind, for example how an animal’s muscles work etc. Critics will also look at lines, brushstrokes, composition, colour usage and so forth. But the most important aspect, of any good painting is “soul”

Portraying emotion can be the most difficult element an artist has to deal with , but that is the one thing  that “speaks” to art critics and buyers alike.

In the words of Emile Zola, French writer and art critic of the late 1800’s : “ An artist must be absolutely devoted, body and soul. He must have the kind of character that will take nature boldly in both hands and put it straight down in front of us, just as he sees it”

Art - different strokes for different folks

“Our willingness to acknowledge that we only see half the picture, creates the conditions that make us more attractive to others. The more sincerely we acknowledge our need for their different insights and perspectives, the more they will be magnetized to join us. “ Margaret J Wheatley

Eccentric or brilliant, either  can be fitting to describe Salvador Dali. When asked to explain the motivation behind his painting, “Persistence of Memory” he said: “It suggests Einstein’s theory that time is relative and not fixed.” The idea for clocks functioning symbolically in this way, came to Dali when he was staring at a runny piece of Camembert cheese on a hot day in August.

Some people would describe Edvard Munch ‘s “The Scream” as haunting, though critics describe it as pure poetry. Edvard Munch explained “ I was walking along a path with two friends, the sun was setting, suddenly the sky turned blood red. I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city. My friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature”

Some people prefer a calming landscape, some a bright bunch of flowers. Another’s taste leans more towards naïve art, African art, or nature. Whatever one’s personal opinion there is no denial that in the world of art, there is a definite place for expressionistic art. For artists who put their emotions and experiences on canvas for others to be moved .It is no wonder that both “Persistence of Memory” and “The Scream” are both on the Top 10 list of Iconic and Influential works of Art. They do just that. They rip you apart and make you look inside yourself.

The imprint of money

I grew up in a pretty normal middle class household, where money was concerned. We had enough, but not for extra luxuries. Both my dad and mom had the same outlook as my friends’ parents – “ money doesn’t grow on trees”, “think well before you spend, because one works hard for your money” etc.

This philosophy was imprinted on my brain from a young age, and being a responsible person, I always looked after my belongings ( to the point that when my children were small they could still play with my dolls and tractors – impeccable after more than 20 years).

At 17 I got my first pair of contact lenses – hard ones. They scratched my eyes terribly. One late afternoon, busy finishing up for a Pre-primary concert where I had to go and help with the kids, I lost my one contact lens. I searched my whole room, but that lens was nowhere to be found. Now how to tell my mother…. It was just impossible to face my parents, telling them that I have been irresponsible and wasted valuable money. I was in such a state that I saw no way out. In a haze of depression I decided that I had no choice, I had to commit suicide. Lack of knowledge drove me to the medicine cabinet. The only full packet I could find was a packet of “brook lax”. I emptied the container and went to fulfill my duties at the concert, fully aware that nothing will happen there, but anticipating for my stomach to just collapse during the night (preferably in my sleep) and so I never need to disappoint my parents.

Needless to say, one cannot die from “brook lax” overdose. The next morning I courageously told my parents about my lense, nothing about my suicide attempt though – my dad, engineer that he was, vacuumed my room and retrieved the lense.

When my son was born , and later my daughter, I too had to face the daunting task of teaching them about money and how to be responsible, but my own experience made me wonder whether unknowingly parents put their children under a lot of pressure with their outlook. Without teaching our children to waste, shouldn’t we teach them to enjoy money? To attract money? That money, as everything else in the universe is in abundance, for us to create? That money is just a commodity and not worth people’s lives?

If not, our children might  also lead anxious, depressing lives, only focusing on want. And when they too feel they have fallen short, will they not like so many decide to commit suicide?

Different forms of respect

We so often hear that people, especially “the youth of today” do not have respect any more, which I think in a sence is true. If you look at how most people dress and act (oh and I’m not talking about the youth), they do not have any self respect. It is a fact that you never feel as good as when you know you look good.

But what is respect, how do we show it? In the Afrikaner culture we teach our children to say “Oom” and “Tannie” to older people. How I feel about that, I do not dare mention. Let’s just say, I love the way the young men in Paris treat a lady in comparison. Is respect really in wording or is it more than that? The old saying goes that respect should be earned, and here is my big problem. How many “grown-ups” live in a way that young people can really respect them? How many parents get wasted over weekends and then expect their kids not to. How many parents live ethical lives and run their businesses according? How many parents are deeply spiritual , and lead calm, faithful lives?

In old Eastern, Indian and even African cultures, the wisdom of the aged is revered. But do we even have wise old people any more? Can children go to their parents and grandparents and really ask advice on issues such as love, relationships, business etc.

Should I really say “Oom” or “Tannie” to somebody who I think is an absolute idiot just because that person is older than I am? I know young people with more knowledge and wisdom than most of the old people I know, and I respect them.

How do I know if someone respects me? I see it in their eyes, I read it in their body language. It’s about how they relate to me, definitely not what they call me.

Dr Zaida Rivene at the Gerson Institute in San Diego, USA

Most people in my home-town Swellendam, South Africa know of Dr Zaida Rivene, but only her patients know the remarkable woman who call Swellendam her home.

Dr Zaida, a dr of chiropractic, dr of naturopathy and homeopathic physician, as well as international veterinary chiropractic, moved to Swellendam with husband Jim Montrose, after a successful career, with a practice in San Francisco to “retire” on the Red Roan Ranch with their Egyptian Arab stud. However, her practice in Swellendam, with patients coming as far as Hermanus and Cape Town, has been keeping her rather busy.

This May Dr Zaida was honoured, to be invited to the Gerson Institute in San Diego, USA, as well as the Tijuana, Mexico clinic  to fine-tune her experience of 30 years of clinical experimentation of Dr Gerson’s work and to implement it with all of her patients.

Dr Zaida was inspired by Dr Max Gerson when she started her practice in 1981 after  reading his book “ A cancer Therapy” written in 1958. He had amazing results by using a plant-based food program  which consisted of 8-13 fresh squeezed fruit and veggie juices a day, oatmeal, veggie soups, baked potatoes, and slow cooked veggies, with no salt, caffeine or oils. Also having coffee enemas 3-5 times a day to cleanse the liver to release more toxicity into the colon. All based on the knowledge that the  body is able to heal itself when the body is allowed to be in an alkaline state. Incidentally Dr Otto Warburg received a Noble Prize in 1931 for his work on proving that cancer cells grow in an acidic environment due to the fact that they live without oxygen, whereas healthy tissue need an alkaline, oxygen rich environment  to flourish.

Dr Zaida has helped her patients with this knowledge that there is no need to wait for a disease to create -  a plant-based food program is for everyone.

 Her immense knowledge of her field and dedication to her patients has not only allowed her to help them heal physically, but also to change their lives in changing their attitudes. For most of her patients, Dr Zaida has been doctor, mother and mentor, inspiring them to follow their dreams – no wonder a patient of hers is currently studying chiropractic at the University of Johannesburg.

Dr Zaida, I’m sure I can honestly say on behalf of your patients in Swellendam, we thank God every day for bringing you in our lives. We are immensely grateful and extremely proud of you for what you have achieved in your field, for the benefit of us all.

Dealing with the death of a parent

My mother passed away a month and a half ago, a stroke at  69. My dad passed away 2 years ago at 89. Both very interesting people, neither wanted a church service, both just a short service at our local airfield, where after my brother and I scattered my dad’s ashes near the runway with a low-flight. For my mom we flew to Witsand, a half-hour away, scattering her ashes in the mouth of the Breede River. No frills, no fuss. That was how they wanted it.

My dad grew up with strange connotations to funerals. At his grandmother’s funeral his father stood afar, looking at all the people, telling my dad “ It’s a bloody circus, let’s go and have a fag”. My grandfather also refused to enter the church at his own wife’s funeral, seeing that all the family members who disliked his wife and treated him badly, were the main mourners. He stayed outside at the hearse.

My mom detested funerals with lots of flowers, purple ribbons, a photo of the deceased and messages of how much they loved the person. She made me promise – none of that! Many a funeral we would leave from and she would remind me to please adhere to her wishes, and so I did to the best of my ability. At her service I had a collage of photos of her with her grandkids, and of her laughing with a glass of Rose. My son read her favourite poem by William Wordsworth and we played Il Divo as the guests enjoyed a glass of wine to celebrate her life.

Not an easy task to adhere to a deceased’s wishes, for as my doctor and mentor stated: “Baby girl, people get funny when a loved one dies. You just stay grounded and centered in love”

And in all this, I have learned so many lessons. I have learned my own strength, as well as the fact that I do have immense respect for the deceased. I so strongly believe in respecting their wishes, that I did not go to a church service of an elderly friend of mine after he passed away a couple of years ago, merely for the fact that he didn’t want one - His wife and children felt it appropriate. I have also seen that in matters of “death” reactions of people have very little to do with the loved one, but mostly with themselves. How they cope, what they want, little messages and photos.  

But then “To each his own.”

As for me, I wanted to be alone with my husband and children. Focusing on helping my children through their grief. Respecting my mother and my upbringing to the bitter end – she used to say: “ A Tomlinson (my maiden name) handles all things in life with dignity”. At Diana’s funeral, when my mom saw the 2 boys walking behind the coffin, with no emotion, she said:” That is royal! They handle their feelings themselves, it’s not for the world to see.”

And what I teach my children –

“Smile, though your heart is aching,

smile, even though it’s breaking,

although a tear maybe ever so near,

 it’s the time you must keep on trying,

 smile, what’s the use in crying,

you’ll see that life is still worthwhile

if you just smile”

Cheer’s Mom and Dad, you are an inspiration!

Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp

It’s been 3 weeks since Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and still it’s the main topic in conversations. Please understand me correctly, it is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to both families. What bothers me though is the fact that South Africa’s pride and joy, has in a single moment become the person most people love to hate. Found guilty before he’s been to trial. Friends and family quoting newspapers and magazines on his character, stating facts from the evening, how he’s a player, had a temper and loved guns. It seems that most people actually want Oscar to turn out to be a cold blooded murderer. However, call me naïve; I just see a terrible tragedy. I know for a fact that if they were not well known, the story might have reached the papers, though a small article, as the case with the rest of the murders in South Africa. It feels, that people so easily believe what the newspapers and magazines say (though when it suits them, they are quick to tell you one cannot believe a word they say). An interview from an ex-girlfriend (whom he dumped for Reeva and who already gave a derogative interview a while ago) is stated as the absolute truth, though the comment of another ex-girlfriend who stated that Oscar is kind and never lifted a hand to her, is conveniently omitted. If a temper and love for guns makes you a killer, well then I know a lot of men who qualify. And then there is the fact that he shot 4 times – I know the law, I used to have  a .38, but handed it in to the police a couple of years ago due to the fact that I am against violence (clearly visible in my art). Though years ago a friend once stated, that when you find someone in your house at night, though the law says you may not shoot until your life is in danger, you do so, even if you shoot the whole door out of its frame. And maybe this adds to the tragedy, that South Africa has become such a violent country, that we all fear for our lives on a constant basis, that yes when you are threatened you may over-react. Could it be possible that Oscar felt so vulnerable, that he actually felt responsible to protect Reeva? I can only pray that he tells the truth, for even if he accidently shot her, he has to live the rest of his life with the terrible guilt that he killed his girlfriend. And if he is guilty, I trust that the trial will prove it. As for the rest of South Africa, with all the derogative remarks (even on his disability), my heart is aching. I read recently “ What other people say of you, says more about them then of you” – well, I’ve really come to know people. And then, to all the other victims of murder in South Africa, I am truly sorry that you are not famous, for your lives are treated as less. As for me, a murder of a celebrity in Pretoria, a murder of a child on the Cape Flats, a murder of a farmer in the Free State, they are all a murder too much, and before South African society and politicians do not see it as such, we cannot build this country

Stop Violence against Women and Children

Black Friday, February 15, 2013 – finally South Africans unite in their disgust and horror after the recent brutal rape and murder of 17 year old Anene Booysen.  Rallies, forums, Face Book messages, all to stand up against rape.

But how is it possible that we stand together, only now. In a country where according to statistics a woman is raped every 4 minutes, where 85% of girls under 18 are  victims of some of other  sexual offence, where someone is murdered every 25 minutes . We live in an ever increasing violent society – the recent events concerning Oscar Pistorius  being a very good example. Some blame it on bad policeing, others feel the legal system cares more about the perpetrator’s human rights than that of the victim. Poverty, unemployment and drugs are all reasons being given, but what kind of human (very difficult to call it that) rapes a girl, breaks most bones in her body, cuts her open and leave her intestines alongside her body. Does this being deserve human rights?

I am fed up! I have had it up till here. For the last couple of years I have used my art to tell the international audience how we feel in South Africa  www.gradyzart.co.za - all my exhibitions I have made a point in taking the paintings that show the raw emotions of a nation torn apart. I have started a group on Face Book – Stop Violence against women and children ,http://www.facebook.com/groups/126240970875660/, my daughter made a video of my art for YouTube, expressing how we feel  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNEoqwumj2U.

I wear black today, I will continue to paint and advocate, and do whatever I can to make the world aware of what is going on in this country. I will not stop, it is my destiny.

Oh there is such beauty in age

I have recently turned 45 and it feels as if I am at this beautiful turning point in my life. I have decided that for the next 75 years (yes, I plan to reach 120) ,I want to live an honest life. I have always tried being honest and ethical when it came to other people, but from now on I want to be honest with myself. And if people see me as selfish, then I would say “good for me, it’s about time”

Too long have I done things that I didn’t like, because I felt I had to. One of the the things I will be honest about is camping; I hate it!!!!!. I do not mind as much being in a remote area for a day or two where I have to use a spade and a bush – then I shift my mind to coping; but camping in campsites, especially when touring through Africa, I have had enough. I do not want to pitch a tent at night, “braai” till late, go to a dirty ablution, get into bed with the tent and my hair reeking of smoke. Waking up at dawn due to other campers who cannot move quietly, then having to shower (I love to bath) in cold water, because nobody put wood in the “donkey”. Then it’s breakfast and the packing up starts, just to be driving for a whole day, till everything repeats again at night. No more…..

I would see Africa staying in Lodges. While my family is off on safari, I will gladly stay at the Lodge having a massage on the deck, with animal sounds in the background. And if I cannot afford it, I do not mind staying at home – it's clean and comfortable.

I realize that people see me as being arrogant and stuck-up, but again the beauty of my age – I actually do not care.

Comfort in Gucci

 I studied Fashion Design and worked in Cape Town before I got married 21 years ago and changed my roll to being a farmer’s wife.

I soon realised that in the country you do not wear high heels when doing your shopping at Spar, nor do you wear your vintage faux fur jacket when eating at the local steakhouse. My wardrobe had to change drastically, comfort being the keyword. Flat shoes, capris, T-shirts – basic attire for most women. My problem though, I have always loved clothes, and especially shoes – Duh! I’m a fashion designer! I tried toning down, and even after launching my artistic career,  tried more “artsy” clothes, but every time I would go to Europe I cringed. The impeccably dressed women (and men) in Paris, Milan, Florence. I would look at the clothes in the shop windows like a child at a toy shop. Always yearning…….., but we’re into comfort.

Until I bought my first pair of genuine leather Italian high heels. The most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. These feet have also had the privilege to have had a pair of Gucci’s on them – I would run with them. If you think of it, Italian shoes need to be comfortable for those girls to be able to walk on cobble stones as they do.

A year and a half ago I took over a gallery, now being in business I could finally dress up. But how to combine my “business” look with being an artist. Easy, I paint in high heels and jewelry. As a matter of fact, now that I have finally made peace with who I am and how I like to dress, I have even baked a bread while wearing a pair of comfortable Italian highs.

The lesson here, one needn’t call a pair of tracksuit pants, your husband’s old t-shirt and your worn out crocs comfortable, you can be perfectly comfortable in Lagerfeld , Gucci, and a whiff of  your favourite Pure Poison Elixer.

Oh my, and then there’s the  twinkle in my husband’s eye when he looks at me………