The Wild Adventures Podcast

11/08/2024

I spent the past week with my amazing little nephew, Bug. 🐛 He’s learning more about animals and can identify so many of them already. We got him a little lion outfit, one of the animals he loves imitating, and joyfully watched him wander around.

The whole week really made me think about how we see the world and how we are impacted by our surroundings.

06/06/2024

I stepped out of my comfort zone and entered a few paintings into the The SAA 2024 Artist of the Year Awards. I didn't expect to get far, so was brought to tears at the recognition of being shortlisted for one of my favourite paintings.

While I didn't go forward to the next round, it's given me a boost to keep stepping out of my comfort zone. You never know what might come of it.

07/04/2024

These Peonies will be making an appearance at the Leask House Gallery Spring Exhibition in May.

Very excited to be part of another exhibition and hoping that my art will speak to those that come. It’s been quite a transformative journey for me since the last exhibit. I don’t even recognise my paintings anymore!

A big thank you to the art club for teaching me patience, starting small and paying attention to detail.

05/04/2024

Working on my first bird painting in a long time - if ever! This is a painting of a proud hornbill. I took a photograph of him while in Hwange, Zimbabwe. It’s been a favourite photo of mine ever since - so hoping I can do it proud with oil paints.

04/04/2024

03/04/2024

Loving this new teacup set from Witch Casket. The Mountain Man started surprising me with these boxes a few months ago and it always brings a little smile to my face.

A highlight in the month!

Teacups of warming tea in the morning sun is one of my favourite ways to start the day.

02/04/2024

I love seeing my artwork up when they’re still in progress. It reminds me so see the beauty in progress and unfinished goals.

Working on a Hornbill painting inspired by a photograph I took in Zimbabwe, and a garden scene with what will hopefully be a Springbok or Kudu.

01/04/2024

"Practice makes perfect", has been a bit of a family moto. If you don't succeed the first time - then try again. Eventually you'll be happy with the results.

It's one of the mantas I say to myself if I'm ever unsure about how a painting looks or if my words don't come out quite right. Just keep practicing.

What are some of the mantra's you say to yourself to keep going and keep trying?

31/03/2024

One of my favourite parts of visiting New Orleans in February was visiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art .

Their photography exhibition held a surprise I didn’t expect - a print from one of my favorite photographers, Sally Mann. I first fell in love with her photography when she exhibited in Sweden.

She didn’t shy away from photographing the morbid and elements of life in all its glory. I admire her for being brave in photographing that which others don’t.

She inspired me to pick up my camera.

30/03/2024

2010 | Malta

I've been very lucky to see so much of the world. Malta was a beautiful little island that definitly made you miss the trees! The people were wonderful and it felt like a beautiful fusion of Africa and Europe. A melting pot of food, language and customs.

Fast forward 14 years and my life is again entwined with Maltese heritage.

Funny where life takes you when you least expect it!

29/03/2024

Digging deep into the archives for this one. Taken in 2008 while back in Zambia since leaving in 1999, it was a reunion to home.

The last few weeks especially I've been thinking about the sun and how fortunate we were to grow up in such a beautiful place. Now, I find myself glued to live safari feeds from across Africa, just to hear the sounds of the wild and feel like I'm back there again.

One thing I really miss though are the sunsets. Glorious colours, it always feels like the sun is sending you off into the night with a display of it's joy and admiration for what it laid eyes on that day.

I think I might have to paint this one some time this year.

28/03/2024

During a moment of feigned calm I found myself scrolling through videos on social media. A trap in and of itself to creativity, every once in a while you get a few nuggets that help pull you back into a creative space.

Today it was the combination of a voice over saying that your social media is for you - not anyone else. It's for your hopes and dreams, essentially a moodboard for your creativity.

The second was this quote by Jordan B. Peterson. The full quote is quite interesting and will no doubt have me mulling over it's implications, but I wanted to share this little snippet with the artists out there.

Keep transforming your chaos into a thing of beauty!

17/01/2024

I'm getting back into writing and have decided to keep a journal of the lessons I learn on this Creative Odyssey of mine. Read the latest article by visiting www.thewanderingwildling.co.uk.

11/01/2024

He proudly struts up and down the boardwalk, looking out for his admirers and hoping to catch the photographers eye. His plumage, glorious incandescent set of blues and green hide beneath the shades of golden feathers.He is a creatives dream, and how we wish we could capture his soul on the bare canvas in front of us.

10/01/2024

These little green and gold eyed souls have kept me and the mountain busy for six months now. They've gone from fitting in our hands to running like the wind is chasing them in the park.

It's been quite something - getting used to having these little being reliant on you for everything. And despite the challenges that come with them, there's nothing quite like snuggling up on the sofa and them looking at you with more adoration that you know you deserve.

09/01/2024

"Essence Unpeeled"

Garlic is one of my favourite ingredients to cook with. There is no such thing as too much garlic. In painting "Essence Unpeeled," I wanted to transform the humble garlic into a subject of profound beauty and potential. The canvas becomes a stage where each bulb and clove is cast in a light that reveals their textured, papery skins and the subtle play of purples and earth tones that speak of their natural essence.

The dark backdrop hints at the garlic's journey from the rich soil to the culinary canvas of a kitchen’s chopping board. There's an intimacy in the clusters and the fallen husks, a suggestion of the preparatory dance of cooking. One can almost hear the crisp snap of the skin being broken, the first step in releasing the pungent aroma that is both familiar and transformative.

This painting is more than a study of form; it is an olfactory invitation. I invite you to lean in closer, to inhale the promise of flavour that garlic embodies. Each bulb is poised at the precipice of becoming, ready to infuse its robust essence into a simmering pot or a sizzling pan, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary with its zest.

"Essence Unpeeled" is a tribute to the sensory power hidden in everyday life, a reminder of the simple yet profound joy found in the act of cooking, and the alchemy that turns ingredients into a feast for the senses.

08/01/2024

“The Cotton-Top Tamarin's Tale"

In the lush canopy of the rainforest, where the symphony of life resounds, the cotton-top tamarin—a sprite of the emerald world—pauses in its ascent. Captured in this image is a creature of remarkable poise, its diminutive form belied by the vast soul it carries within its chest.

The forest's watchful observer, his crown of white, as soft as the clouds that cradle the morning sun, is a regal contrast to the earthy tones that paint his home. He clings to the rugged trunk, his fingers wrapped with an artist's grace around the bark, a testament to the intimate dance between creature and habitat.

With eyes cast upwards, he seems to be pondering the secrets of the upper canopy, or perhaps he is listening to the whispered tales that only the leaves dare to tell. The soft bokeh of greens and light behind him suggests a world full of mystery and gentle wonders, an Eden that thrives just beyond the veil of the everyday gaze.

This moment is an invitation to reflect on the delicate threads that connect us all—the tamarin to the tree, the tree to the forest, the forest to the heart of nature. In the stillness of his pose, there is a call to respect and protect these creatures and their habitats, to cherish the beauty, and to ensure that the whispers of the forest continue long into the future.

07/01/2024

“The Sentinel of the Wetlands”

In the hushed twilight of the Australian wetlands, where the water mirrors the softening sky, a lone Jabiru stands like a sentry. This Black-necked Stork is the keeper of ancient stories, a guardian of these tranquil waters.

He is a majestic figure, draped in the finest of nature’s contrasts: a robe of purest white and a shawl of the darkest black. His legs, as if painted by the setting sun, glow with a fiery red hue. He moves with a grace that belies his size, each step deliberate, causing scarcely a ripple in the still waters.

As night descends, his keen eyes scan the shallows. He is searching for a meal, but he is also watching over the wetlands, a realm where life thrives in the dance of predator and prey. His presence is a silent promise to the chorus of frogs and the rustling reeds: the dance will continue, as it has since time immemorial.

He is not just a bird; he is a symbol of the balance between earth and water, a living totem that speaks of the need for preservation. The wetlands are his canvas, and with each graceful step, he paints a story of survival and coexistence.

The Jabiru, the Black-necked Stork, remains a constant figure in the ever-changing tapestry of the wetlands. He is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the wild spaces, and the stories they hold—a sentinel not just of the wetlands, but of the earth itself.

06/01/2024

"Echoes of Eden"

Original oil painting on canvas board | 15 cm x 15 cm

As your gaze falls upon "Echoes of eden," allow yourself to be enveloped by the warmth and nostalgia that radiates from this tender painting—a heartfelt homage to the cherished memories of my mother. Each stroke of vibrant colour and texture is a love letter to her, to the fruit she adores, and to the adventurous spirit that the taste of a good pawpaw can rekindle.

In this still life, the papaya is not just fruit; it is the embodiment of tropical bliss and the golden days of youth. Split open, the papaya reveals its cache of glistening black seeds, a treasure trove nestled within sunset-hued flesh. The fruit's vivid orange is a brush with the exotic, a bold contrast against the deep, dark background that speaks of the mystery and allure of the tropics.

The play of light in the painting creates a golden glow around the papaya, as if it were a lantern illuminating a path back to adventure, back to the days of sun-drenched escapades and the joys of discovery. The texture of the canvas, the rich, palpable feel of the painted fruit, pulls you into a sensory journey, where you can almost taste the sweet, lush flavor on your tongue.

This piece is a reminder of the good old days, of the simple yet profound pleasure found in a ripe pawpaw, and of the stories and laughter that would follow its enjoyment. It's a beacon of the past's warmth, a nudge to the soul to remember and smile, to dance with memories, and perhaps, to venture once again into the taste of life's simple, sweet adventures.

05/01/2024

"Dust Dance"

Amboseli | Kenya

In the vast expanse of the African savannah, where the horizon kisses the sky, a lone elephant who I call Tembo walks the path of his ancestors. The air is filled with the whispers of the wilderness, the rustling of the grass, and the distant calls of the wild. With his grand tusks carving arcs in the air, he moves with a deliberate grace that belies his colossal frame.

On this day, the earth is parched, and the sky a dome of endless blue. He reaches a clearing that has been a silent witness to his life’s many seasons. He pauses, feeling the sun's warmth on his thick, wrinkled skin, a gentle reminder of the world's embrace.

With a slow, almost meditative motion, Tembo dips his trunk into the fine, golden dust at his feet. The ground beneath him is an ancient canvas, and with each step, he stirs the memories it holds. He lifts his trunk and, with a powerful breath, sends a cloud of dust skyward. The particles catch the light, creating a swirling, shimmering veil that shrouds him in a spectral ballet.

This is the Dust Dance—a ritual as old as the hills that line the plains. It is a dance of many tales; of solitude that is not loneliness, of silence that speaks louder than the roar of the lion. As the dust rises and falls, it tells a story of the land's heartbeat, of Tembo's lineage, and of the spirit of Africa that pulses through his veins.

04/01/2024

"Whispered tales from a warm corner"

Original oil painting on canvas board | 21.5 cm x 25.5 cm

Time slows to the rhythmic boiling of a kettle. A rustic, sun-kissed room, the walls a vibrant dance of crimson and amber, a bold embrace against the brisk dawn. Atop a robust, wooden counter, kissed by many a morning's toil, sits an antique stove, its cast-iron body emanating an aura of timeless stories and shared secrets.

Painted with a palette that sings of earthen roots and fiery hearts, the stove's surface is a tapestry of shadows and light, a proud sentinel guarding the ritual of morning warmth. A kettle, black as the quiet before dawn, holds the promise of tea, its spout poised to break the silence with a whistle that resonates like a wake-up call to the soul.

To the right, a regiment of bottles, their glass sides veiled in the muted greens of olives and the deep sighs of the forest, stands guard. They are sentinels of the liquid treasures, perhaps steeped with the spirits of the land, waiting to infuse the tea with whispers of the earth.

In the foreground, the countertop glows like a golden pathway, leading to the heart of comfort as the room awaits the hands that will turn the stove's k***s, lift the kettle, and pour out steaming cups of solace. With each stroke of the brush, I captured not just a scene, but a sensory experience—the heat radiating from the stove, the aroma of tea leaves unfurling, the sizzling sound of a day coming to life.

This painting is more than an image; it's a narrative set on canvas, inviting you to pull up a chair, wrap your hands around a hot mug, and bask in the serene assurance of an African morning, replete with the ritual of tea—a warmth that not only dispels the outer chill but also ignites the inner warmth that fuels the day's journey.

03/01/2024

"Curiosity Unwrapped"

A candid snapshot captures the quintessential essence of inquisitiveness, as a monkey delves into the unknowns of a crinkled paper bag. This image is a playful yet profound commentary on the nature of curiosity—the driving force that leads us to explore, investigate, and sometimes, to find ourselves in unexpected situations.

This photograph is a moment frozen in time, one that speaks to the universal language of intrigue and the simple yet profound joy of discovery. What might we find if we dare to look within the bags of our own lives? What secrets await under the layers we have yet to explore?

02/01/2024

"Twilight's Sweet Whisper"

Original oil painting on canvas board | 15 cm x 15 cm

In the deepening blue of a summer's twilight, you find yourself before "Twilight's Sweet Whisper," where the darkened hues of evening cradle a lone tangerine in a tender embrace. This is not merely a depiction of fruit on canvas; it is an intimate tableau that beckons you closer, inviting you to share in a stolen moment of sweetness at day's end.

The tangerine, with its skin kissed by the sun's last golden rays, glows with an inner light that seems almost ethereal against the shadowy backdrop. Its vibrant orange is a beacon of the day's residual warmth, a soft echo of sunlight in the quiet of an awakening night. The fruit's velvety texture is tangible through each brushstroke, suggesting the softness that awaits the touch of your hand.

Notice how the leaves, still clinging to the stem, are painted with strokes of green that hold the freshness of the orchard within them, whispering tales of sunny groves and afternoons drenched in light. They are the guardians of this singular nectarine, the remnants of the tree that bore it, now offering its sweet bounty to you in the solitude of evening.

Let this painting transport you to those balmy evenings, where the hum of the day fades and time lingers in the air, thick with the scent of ripened fruit. It is an invitation to pause and indulge in the sweetness of life, to appreciate the beauty in the simple, to take pleasure in the anticipation of taste, and to savor the quiet joy of a summer night's gift.

Step closer, reach out in your imagination, and feel the smooth surface of the tangerine. Allow the painting to remind you of the thrill of yielding to a small desire, of the contentment found in the flavour of summer, and the unexpected delight of finding such sweetness waiting just for you.

29/09/2023

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of debuting my artwork in a gallery for the very first time. This experience marked a departure from my usual comfort zone, one that turned out to be far more enjoyable than I had initially anticipated.

Since relocating to Aberdeen, I joined an art group. This decision has had a profoundly positive impact on my mental well-being, primarily through the therapeutic activity of painting. A few years ago, I stumbled upon an article that emphasized the importance of business people having an outlet away from their professional responsibilities. It stressed the need to temporarily detach from the daily trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship and delve into something entirely unrelated.

Painting has became my weekly sanctuary, a much-needed escape from the confines of my desk and the omnipresence of technology.

Following the 2023 end of North East Open Studios, our art group collectively decided to challenge ourselves further by attempting to recreate someone else's artwork. This endeavor served as a valuable opportunity to acquire new skills and push the boundaries of our artistic styles. For my project, I selected a captivating autumnal still life painting by David Larned, featuring a resplendent and glowing pumpkin.

The creative process captivated my senses. I meticulously gridded the canvas, sketched the intricate details of the pumpkin, and painstakingly matched colours to replicate the original artwork. It proved to be the perfect exercise for resetting my mind and transporting me to another realm, even if only for a few precious hours.

In essence, the moral of this story is the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and finding a pursuit that grants you respite from the demands of your mind. Everyone requires a reset, a means to return to the world feeling rejuvenated and better equipped to navigate life's challenges.

So, what is your chosen hobby?

30/06/2023

The camera felt heavy in my hands and I handled it with a reverence reserved for anything that brings nostalgic memories to the forefront of my racing brain.

I’d found the beautiful and charming Greywalls Hotel in North Berwick. The perfect first place to capture film for the first time with my little experimental camera. A mother-daughter trip that had us both reminiscing the old days in Africa. How the study reminded us of my great aunt, the fires of evenings with no electricity, and the gardens that my grandmother would have loved to explore.

A nostalgic visit, captured with a nostalgic camera. There was a romanticism in taking a photo and having no clue if it would even develop.

I’m enjoying the challenge of waiting and as we speak my camera holds the memories of a Christmas in Africa in its grip. She’s not willing to let go of them, and so the film may be ruined. But I’m hoping even just one photo will appear and can join this collection of experimental photography.

28/06/2023

Life has changed quite significantly in 2023.

In 7 days, it will be my 12 year anniversary since moving to Scotland. An anniversary I was not expecting to have when 2023 rolled around.

I started the year ready to upend my life, leave Europe and start fresh in a new location with new people around me.

Little did I know then, that my life would be completely different and it didn’t involve leaving the country I’ve made home.

Six months down the line, I’ve moved to the Highlands of Scotland, started my own business, and recommitted to creativity through photography and artwork.

So hang tight for a new round of adventures and some reminiscing over the old ones.

I’m excited to share this portal of creativity with you and hope it sparks you to follow your dreams and take chances every once in a while.

13/01/2023

A new season of the Wild Adventures Podcast is on it’s way! This season we are going to focus on the world of conservation and learning everything there is so know. Hear from conservationists all over the world and see what you can do where you’re from.

Follow now so as not to miss episode one!