The Arrival

The Arrival

Oil On Canvas

100 x 60cm 

The Evening is upon us , the light has changed as it does in the Zambezi Valley , the birds are moving and that heat of the mid day is dying .Its been another long day in the dust and the heat of the Zambezi Valley and it feels like the very Bush  is a sighing in relief .

Deep in the Jesse the dust is stirred up by the feet of these Elephant  , as they smell the water nearby , the  Bulls increase their pace to the small pan , their size is impressive – humbling and above all the silence is spiritual -
Take a walk where the animals walk  , sit there and the sensations of Africa will fill you , the dampness of the Mopane clay around the pan , the aromas of elephant dung , and the sound of all the birds will combine to create  a sensation , a feeling  that sits with you forever

This is a group of Bachelors , the young and the eager out front – often known as “Askari” or Policemen ,they are often out ahead and accompany the older Bulls , learning from them and respecting them –like the youngest in the family , he is often cajoled and reprimanded but taught by his elder brothers .

This painting reminds me of you boys , of Tom and Matt and Mitch ,I see how it is -and how it will always be , a brotherhood of fine men  , a tribute to their Mother and their Father , and it will remind you of this place we call the “Valley “, a place where we have been very privileged to be a part of for so many years .

Wherever you fetch up in life and , what ever you end up doing , moments like those will keep you strong – the knowing that you have been a part of this incredible life we have led will keep you powerful and resolute

Above all it will remind you of where you come from , for without a past there is no future

Will 2015