Powerful

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.
"Bob Marley"

I have always been influenced by Roger Ballen's work, especially his backgrounds. In this photograph of Lundy Jumats I noticed the plugs on the wall and the rough paint strokes. The wires and Lundy's expression.

I liked the "rawness" of the image. I find today's photography, especially in digital work almost too glossy and perfect and whilst I work in the digital medium, I still prefer the traditional look of film photography. With photoshop, I can almost achieve that effect.

In my work I also like to show the rough backgrounds so as to see the environment in which these folks live, perhaps , with the simple inclusion of the plug box and the texture of the walls. Of course, the most important is the subjects expression or emotion which can make the whole photograph.

With photoshop in this image I used the gradient map option many times to create darkness and light and then sharpened the textures. I deliberately darkened most of the one side of Lundy's face as I think it made more impact.

Lundy Jumats - 18 years old.

Hendrik Erasmus

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world"
Mahatma Ghandi









Hendrik, the "Oupa" (Grandfather) of the village. A gentleman, a man of great faith and love. Always the children in his home, his gentle advice and guidance alongside him his beloved wife, Maria. A music lover, a confidante, a father, grandfather, and husband...a friend.

Hendrik is the first person I met amongst these folk of "Rooi Rivier" farm and I often spend time in their little home just chatting. he knows the history of all the family's here and if there is ever a book, he will help me write about the folks. Hendrik recently had a stroke but is recovering well and is strong.

It's good to be home..but I also wish to thank the people of Australia for being so kind and welcoming to me, especially my family...

In the meantime, I carry on my Klein Karoo Series and learn more about these gentle people and hopefully I can capture them as they really are in my documentary series.