22nd of February, South Africa.

Rowena’s paintings are a diary, reflecting her progress, the evolution as an artist, which are sometimes vivid reminders of human weakness. Her attempt to remain free, led her own vision and own handwriting, working very hard at staying out of the cul-de-sac created by too many learned voices. To her, self-belief is hard won.

She searches for content and subject in her personal work and savours the means to express it, willing to open that expression to scrutiny.
Deep and lasting impressions of her early life seem to surface when she paints. Her family were traders who immersed themselves in the culture, language and traditions of those with whom they traded. Rowena grew up in rural South Africa, but truly aware of the beauty around – amongst people who lived with an easy grace. Their style and elegance borne out by the tribal dress worn day to day; the expansive countryside of the Eastern Cape… colourful beadwork and beautiful functional pottery, made so by understanding the synergy between functionality and decoration. This gave her an early, deeply ingrained love for art.

“Special moments are brief, yet are enough to energise and invigorate the creative mind. I am too aware of the realities of life, and the issues facing our beautiful country – yet I choose to bring a moment of contemplation, of hope, and ultimately of enjoyment, to my canvas.I feel as if I am only just beginning the journey, the adventure of painting.”