Mixed media. Vinyl emulsion, acrylic, solvent based glue, and red earth on canvas. 100cm x 140cm.

This piece is both destination and journey. Working from my (very) small studio in Nairobi, Kenya, (where I live) I am inspired by the natural earth tones of the red earth characteristic of the country, and the blue-greys of the sky during rainy season. I used soil mixed with local book binding glue to create texture, washing several layers of emulsion over the canvas to create a softness that contrasts the hard edges of cured soil. To me, this painting feels like the bittersweet apprehension of a loved one’s imminent departure, knowing it will be painful for a period, but also, that they will be back.