PORTFOLIO
Stephen’s original documentary paintings are millimetre accurate, life size recordings are painstakingly rendered with natural pigments and materials collected in the field. Stephen will record a particular rock art panel only once. This ensures that not only do each of his artworks stand as a unique and accurate record of a threatened and irreplaceable art legacy, but also, that each work holds an intrinsic and escalating value
The subject matter and composition of these artworks are a creative reflection of the rich variety of rock art imagery Stephen has seen and recorded at sites around South Africa. The images originate from caves, rocky overhangs and large boulders. They are painted using Stephen’s ancient paint box of pigments, including earth ochres, plant juices, egg shells and various natural binders.
The subject matter and composition of these artworks are a creative reflection of the rich variety of rock art imagery Stephen has seen and recorded at sites around South Africa. The images originate from caves, rocky overhangs and large boulders. They are painted using Stephen’s ancient paint box of pigments, including earth ochres, plant juices, egg shells and various natural binders.
In Stephen’s Dreamline genré of work, he uses his vast knowledge of pigments in ancient paint making to depict the richness of the African landscape and its wildlife. His Dreamlines are painted using pigments and binders that he has sourced from the African soil. The Dreamlines collection reflect veils of imagery, combined with a narrative in the margins of the paintings to provoke reflection and insights of Africa in a captivating way.
Stephen’s fond memories of farm life in the Stormberg area of the Eastern Cape, birthed a passion in him to paint its landscapes and animals. He enjoys painting plein air studies as well as illustrating on canvas, the rolling hills and “big sky” landscapes he has photographed while on his travels around the country, in search of rock art sites. Through his experience of meticulous accuracy in documenting rock art, he is able to capture farmer’s prized livestock with similar accuracy in oils too, which creates a valuable record of stud animals for the owner