The Watercolor Art of Thembe's Cloth
Glenda has always loved art. At Wykeham Girls School in Pietermaritzburg, all other lessons for her were just tedious hours spent waiting to be in the art room.
"Sadly, my paint box sat unused for many years as other pursuits—and parenthood—vied for my attention," she says. "I am very grateful to my family and friends, and especially my friend Irene in Zurich who encouraged me to illustrate a series of watercolor illustrations as a coffee-table book."
While writing Thembe's Cloth, this suggestion gave Glenda the idea to paint the main characters to illustrate the book.
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Below are Glenda's comments on the illustrations of Ellen, Thembe, Gogo, and Kristi.
Ellen
I remember the Xhosa women for the colourful clothing and head scarf (doek) they wore beautifully accompanied by the intricate traditional beadwork bracelets, necklace and earrings. Ellen smoking a traditional Xhosa pipe (inqawe). The pipe serves a social and spiritual significance, often used to communicate with ancestors for their guidance and protection, as do Ellen and Gogo.
Gogo
Xhosa culture is firmly based upon the strong bonds and traditions of the family clan and the much respected elders pass on Xhosa history and spiritual beliefs through generations. Gogo, the wizened but wise and contented mother of Ellen, at peace with herself, her surroundings and others, embodies the virtues of 'ubuntu'
Thembe
The second image of Thembe is as a successful but troubled artist, beset with self doubt and sadness as her personal life unwinds.
Thembe
The third painting shows a maturing Thembe as a happier and more confident performer. I just couldn’t discard one for the other so used both.
Kristi
Yes, a self portrait of the author as she would like to be remembered as a twenty something and indeed unto this day?! If only! This drawing was based on a photo taken at a wedding in Australia shortly before my marriage. Yes, Kristi is based on my own childhood in Kokstad, as is her mother on my beloved and much missed mother Mignon.
Mount Currie
Kokstad is surrounded by the hills and mountains which are part of the scenic Drakensberg Range but Mt Currie is the most imposing feature overlooking the town. The nature reserve at its base is long established and well used as a recreational area by townspeople. I spent many glorious days there with my siblings and friends, wandering the many paths winding up to the steeper slopes.
Front Cover
I have used three drawings of Thembe in the book.
The first, on the book cover, shows a contented, contemplative Thembe before Mt Currie which carries dramatically different significance from her early and later years.
Back Cover
Mount Currie once again blending into an incomplete outline of Africa to symbolize South Africas unfinished journey. The motifs around the edge of the picture represent the embroidered squares which ultimately makes up Thembe's cloth.
