"Equilibrium"

Oil on Canvas 

60 x 40 

"Africa In Monochrome"

  

Africa In Monochrome

A surreal beauty exists in Monochrome , it brings out energy in a scene that we don’t see in color. I have long admired photography in this format , perhaps because it has class , or perhaps because it is just different now in this age  .

Here are a series of shots taken on recent Bush trips , where I have been privileged to witness the incredible sights and sounds of our magnificent Africa .

"Walking into the Void '

"Walking into a Void "

Oil on Canvas 

60 x 40 

"The Crossing"

"The Crossing"

Oil on Canvas

200 x100 

The evening lights turn to an Orange as these Elephants start their trek across the Zambezi river , maybe to the Far off Zambian escarpment – or perhaps just to the greener feeding areas on the islands and spurs that jut into the river .

This has been going on for centuries , a sight that never fails to"thrill "- as these great monarchs swim effortlessly into this mighty river - undaunted by the distant bush fire ,they move as they have done for centuries freely from one feeding area to the next .

In their world , there is no nationality , no policy , just life , and their trust in their instinct .To them perhaps life is in the moment , and as we sit here debating on  how intelligent they are , maybe we should in fact contemplate our own so called intelligence – as we single mindedly destroy all in our way in the name of “progress “

The Crossing , the name often used in reference to movement of the soul from life as we know it to the spiritual world –to Me Elephants are Old Souls , the older ones are noticeably wise and have a presence even with us insensitive humans  –perhaps its time to take in the moment , time to sit quietly and admit that maybe we are not the ultimate intelligent being !

Will Maberly 2014 

astleymaberly@gmail.com

Mhondoro

"Mhondoro"

Oil On Canvas 

120 x 60

Baobabs have throughout Africa, been a part of culture in one form or another. The myths are many and these magnificent trees have played a role in African tradition since the beginning of time .

There is no denial that in presence of these great trees , there is an energy that leaves us in awe of our natural surrounds .Some of the myths say that spirits of our loved ones live amongst the branches ,others say that Baobabs are up side down trees ,made that way when the Gods were Angry !.

Indeed many Baobabs have become the final resting places for people - that they are spiritual , there is no doubt .

I have called this piece “Mhondoro “ as these trees with their spirituality , symbolize strength and solidity – the term is one used by the Shona people who  have a spirit called a “Mhondoro “ meaning both lion and Guardian spirit of a tribe .They are generally referred to as “Lion Spirits” and are associated with the strength and fearlessness of a lion .The "Mhondoro" oversee a region and their general purpose is to oversee the overall welfare of the people of that region – including ensuring the fall of adequate rainfall . 

These great Trees are powerful reminders of our own mortality , their great strength and presence has become the subject of myth and legend - like the "Mhondoro"

Will Maberly 2014 

astleymaberly@gmail.com

The Road to Ngweshla

The Road to “Ngweshla “

Oil on canvas

220 x 150 cm

I sat quietly watching as the October Sun Lowered in the sky –the colors started to change as the light penetrated the dust ,promising yet another beautiful timeless African evening

Standing here like some Guardian this great Leadwood has probably been here for centuries ,like some witness to a scene that plays out daily on” the road to Ngweshla  “

Life is simple out here , its about today , its about now – it’s a contrast– brutal and yet peaceful – there is a tranquility here beyond measure  a feeling that this is how it should be ……..

The dust rises as these old Buffalo Bulls  swagger slowly down the path towards the pan , once a path - now a road ,cut by the feet of countless buffalo and elephant  in the Kalahari sands

The air is filled with that intoxicating blend of the wild - a sensation of heat mixed with the scents of Africa  that sit deep within your senses  for ever

Sitting here in the African silence , there is a feeling of almost slipping into another world , a world where there is a purer purpose to life –a world where there is no thought given to greed ,a world where silence is a companion and not an enemy – a world where we belong -I shake my head at the wonder of it all  , at how the wild resonates so deeply within me –creating a deep thirst for more knowledge of this place and its inhabitants –a need to deeply understand and portray the deep symbiosis between man and the wild .Soon………..soon  it will be too late  –take time  to walk in the places the animals walk -come and take in the intoxicating blends of Africa ,…..come on a journey that will humble you and yet make you powerful beyond measure

Will Maberly 2014

astleymaberly@gmail.com