A series which began with the idea of combining horns and thorns, i.e. cattle with large horns and the large paired thorns found on Acacia Karoo trees, which bear a striking resemblance to each other. With the obvious symbolism of cattle being protected in thorn kraals, it encompassed thoughts of protecting what one holds valuable, which is relative, depending on who you are.

If you’re a Dinka Tribesman, your cattle are literally your life, of the greatest possible value. Due to cattle-feuds and raids, it is no longer enough to protect them in kraals of thorns. In Southern Sudan, Uganda and Kenya, cattle wars have led to the death of literally thousands, and herdsmen protect their cattle with AK 47s.

By contrast, in 1st world countries, cattle are just another commodity, and can be depicted more flippantly. Valued possessions often revolve around fixed property, which is protected with razor-wire and alarm systems. There is also a need to protect ourselves. So the range of images in this series is quite wide, and combines painting, drawing, photography, and ceramics.

Chess and Monopoly are games, but reflect a much bigger picture. On many levels, from whole nations, down to individuals, we are in a struggle to hold onto what we hold dear, while simultaneously dispossessing others (whether consciously or by default.)

This chessboard installation is made up of individual pieces, each telling a story … maybe someone’s home, land, wealth, poverty. Perhaps an oppressive leader, a homeless bushman, someone whose shack is their castle, or whose castle is their prison. The works form a big picture, ‘a cacophony of voices trying to be heard’. But, as with each of us, they also have their own unique story to tell. So each is for sale individually. They have been made using many different media and techniques, yet what unites them is the encaustic… hot wax melted into them.