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Monday, August 19, 2013

Low Tide in Zanzibar

"Kelp Gathering" by Artists of Africa Artist Marie Theron
508mm x 508mm oil on cotton wrapped canvas
$US 489
Continuing my African paintings: Do you know the West Coast where I stay? Low tide, even while being called "low" is still a dangerous phenomenon and the water will throw you onto the rocks, should you dare to enter the sea. I love my noisy home, where nights are never quiet and the large waves can be heard day and night. Of course, travelling can be so refreshing, and we were thrilled with the low, low tide at Zanzibar. You can wade in for miles to sit in the water, find a dhow, chat to locals and scrunch up your eyes because the light is so blindingly bright.


Here we observed the activity of seaweed harvesting by the Masaai women. By driving sticks into the low areas of the sea, traps are formed where the seaweed can easily be collected. Bucketfuls of the green stuff are then taken to the beach to be hung out to dry. Dry seaweed is exported to China where it is boiled into soap and shampoo.

In my painting "Kelp Harvesting", I have tried to show the endless stretch of low tide, and the blinding light that etches out the figures of workers. I did not take enough photos while I was there, but I treasure these few photos and hope you like them too. They really portray the exact mood on that tranquil island.





To view the buying guide to this painting, click HERE

11 comments:

  1. Such a pretty piece and I love the history you've shared about this process. Not sure why your emails are bouncing back, Marie. I've had same email address for years: LeavesOfCrimson@att.net Anyway, so glad you commented so I could come back and visit! In all my transitions I've lost some of my favorite blogs.

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    1. Hi Sherry, it could just be that I did not have the caps in place. I will write again.

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  2. so unique! I love the painting...you live in such a beautiful place!

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    1. Yes, all of Africa is such an inspiration, Celeste! Thanks for the comment!

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  3. Excellent painting, Marie! The red outfit and bucket work great against the expanse of water! Wonderful photos!

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    1. We do need that bit of red, for sure, Dean! Maybe that is why she caught my eye!

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  4. interesting to see a low tech way to harvest seaweed. A grateful manner to support a community. Hope your life is going well, as you adjust to your new normal.

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    1. So true, Diana! Only some enterprising women, and there you have it. I hope the beach is rent-free!Thank you, I am coming back and keeping busy!

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  5. This painting is truly beautiful, Marie! The water, sand and wonderful reflections are all perfect!!! I hope you are well!! It's so wonderful seeing your work again.

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    1. Thank you, Hilda! I still haven't painted since I lost my husband....so what you see is old paintings that were completed about a year ago!

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  6. A wonderfully expressive painting Marie and really inspirational scenery!

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