Ngweshla

"Ngweshla "

or 

Ingwe  eshla

"Yes and how many times can a man turn his head  Pretending that he just doesn't see ?"

"Yes and how many times must a man look up , before he can really see the sky "

Bob Dylan

Sometimes – you just have to be there to see it - , the intense oranges of an African sunset as the last light caresses the trees and the shadows begin to relax into the dusk, it seems like the everything breathes again after  gasping in the sweltering October midday heat.

Its business as usual on the pan , groups of Elephant coming and going in a seemingly organized and yet completely disorganized fashion –  approaching the water sometimes quietly , and sometimes at a run as the scent of water becomes irresistible-   and then leaving so that others may drink.

Pans like this one have provided refreshment for countless generations of elephants and wildlife over the years. They beckon as a meeting place  -and there is a sensation , an intoxicating blend of elephant dung , mud and “Africa” ,that infiltrates your sense ,combined with an  intense feeling of freedom –and wonder as we  watch this incredible interaction – a feeling of “Now “. And then there is the noise , oh the noise is incredible day and night  –as the groups of elephant meet , greet and gather .

Whilst this is reality to me and some of you in that we have been there and witnessed this , to many now and to the generations beyond us it is and will be legend and fantasy , they are  and will be stories and tales that are in their imaginations spinning like dried leaves on a breeze they settle in the minds of only those who are aware   ,some of whom will never witness such a spectacle – whilst we – we have the incredible privilege of being there , of watching and trying to understand , where we come from , because this the earth , she is our Mother , and where we come from !

I believe strongly , that as a species we have a duty to preserve , and protect this , and most of all learn from it Through awareness -we have the power to assist and nurture this – so that the generations from now ,they too can also learn , how its supposed to be .

This Painting is 2.5 m wide , and tells the story of Ngweshla Pan , a meeting place of Elephants and many other species .Painted with Oil on canvas , it captures that almost unbelievable show that takes place daily on this pan and many others like it in the  pristine wildlife areas of Zimbabwe .

Will Maberly 2013