Tamasa Gallery is proud to present

‘Abundance ‘

an exhibition by artist Jane Bedford

For the last 45 years I have undertaken many journeys following my passion into the world of art…which has ranged through all the mediums…Starting with pottery…beadwork…and leading into photography and painting. My love for travel and adventure being paramount. Trees and all things nature related have always been my focus. I turn my photography into art pieces…Seeing design in everything. Breaking all the rules to satisfy my creative zest.

Entering into the world of colour, design and fantasy comes naturally to me.

ABUNDANCE is a celebration of fullness…profusion…excess…complexity…layering and visual generosity.

The story of my Messengers is yet another creative facet. As is painting my dreams.

ABUNDANCE reflects a way of seeing by lived experiences…where richness lies in not minimalism, but in accumulation. For me more is more. More texture, more colour, more layers, more story.

I have no fixed idea when I begin an art piece other than to enjoy the process of creating…acrylic paints and everything in between are my mediums at the moment…working on two paintings at the same time ignites my passion…my interest…so when the vision runs dry on one I can easily switch to the other! For me it’s a wonderful way to be totally involved…totally present…and gives me pleasure, energy and freedom with no specific goal other than just to enjoy what I am experiencing.

My creative photography is printed with the Diasec method which I love. Layering an art piece between aluminium and plexiglass.

Uvemvane is my Zulu name…butterfly…As being a butterfly I can flit from one creative process to another with joy and ease…and hope you will be able to do the same.

Jane Bedford.

MESSENGERS…A BRIDGE BETWEEN WORLDS

THE STORY OF MY MESSENGERS…MY TOTEMS…SOME OF THEM ‘GIVEN’ TO ME VIA MY DREAMS.

An uDoli…or MESSENGER is a doll given to young girls as an introduction to motherhood…passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter. Sacred objects signifying fertility. The Greek word for message means ‘gift from the Angels’.

These MESSENGERS are gifts from our Ancestors and to our Ancestors. Each doll is unique with its own personality….and has a message for its owner. You will find your own message!

Four of us worked daily for 6 months creating these unique art pieces from colored wire and material. Each one of us working on one art piece at a time. These ‘dolls’ strive vertically as a male form, that is supported at all levels with big voluptuous rings of fertility, reminiscent of the queen bees and termites who are considered the ultimate bearers of life.

I have used my knowledge of beadwork, fabrics and wire work to create a new series of sculptures entitled MESSENGERS.

Into this world, I have injected my own passion, my own visions, my own creativity and has given me a chance to developed further as an artist….always questioning but not doubting myself as much.

My little team rose to the occasion beyond my expectation. They translated my ideas into unique art pieces…each one a sculpture… a masterpiece…each one never to be reproduced again.

Something lasting

Something timeless

Something that speaks

To your Inner Child.

Strong bonds ensued with understanding and compassion for each other’s cultures.

We learnt so much…I learnt so much…we were all richer for this wonderful experience….together we felt WHOLE.

These MESSENGERS are in honor of ALL women.

How we rise again and again

How solid we stand

How high we reach

How bound we are to the Earth and to each other.

I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to ‘Live in Two Worlds’.

I am grateful.

Jane Bedford.