In 2020, Boyd Varty followed a long held intention to adventure into the wild space of Londolozi, alone for 40 days and 40 nights. (If you have not heard his now famous daily podcast of this incredible adventure click here to begin).
At the very same time, our dear friend Emily Lamb, once an Artist in Residence at Londolozi, began a painting journey in Scotland.
She painted as Boyd was on retreat for 40 days and 40 nights and here is the result:
This piece of art (4.8m x 2.2m, Oil on Canvas) is now hanging in the Londolozi Founders Camp. “The Mother” is a celebration of all that is wild, a gratitude to the earth, who is mother to us all.
This collaboration took place 6000 miles apart but I think you will agree it truly feels like one moment in nature, the common thread holding all of us in a shared humanity on a shared planet.
Emily the artiest shares this adventure with us in her own words:
“For a million reasons I step up to Make this painting. I’ve been wanting to for so long. Feeling it brewing but always no time. Until BOOM: the world locks down and I have a roof over my head and a place to stay for free and a tiny little room to paint in. My uncle just told me to repaint the room when I left… whenever that might be. I also have a target date to finish. I wait for signs in life and listen closely to clues. Shuffling agendas internally and praying for the ideas to show themselves and they always do (with great patience and when you least expect). So when my friend Boyd Varty told me about his creative venture to live in a treehouse in the wilds of Southern Africa for 40 days and 40 nights, I knew instantly that was my time frame. To work alongside my artisan friends and connect fully when physical disconnect is highest. So I visualised the painting and let go of an expectation. Just trusted she already existed.”
She recognised the opportunity in the depths of change and disorder. “Just do it” said every achiever, ever. Don’t be afraid. Know no limits! Let sleep heal you and let daylight be your vessel for purpose.
“This painting is a journey for me. I let her open up everyday and nurture her creatures that come and go as the days pass. I’m 36 days in. It’s for no purpose than the simple offering of energy in art to a message to the wild. In honour of the animals I love so completely. In honour of my home, Africa.”
Emily Lamb needs little introduction but for those of you that have not experienced her mastery here is a little bit about her…
“Emily trusts an expressive and classic technique to venture into the memory of Wilderness. Her immersion in mostly African landscapes has led to a determined will in both protecting and translating the animals of the wild. She takes inspiration from being in the Wilderness with those that know the landscape and animals best.
Tracking on foot has been a great love, and living and painting in the wild out of borrowed houses, tents and make-shift studios has been a never-ending path and dream. However, over the past decade, her purpose of travel became more about the conservationists on the ground and the men and women worldwide who risk their lives on the front line everyday for animals. Her driving force is to shed light on a world rapidly transforming, with an aim to redefine our place in Nature.
Emily works hard to continue the legacy of her grandfather David Shepherd. She is an active member and advocate of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) Art for Survival Programmes, she has been involved with several other conservation initiatives and animal welfare groups around the world. She has exhibited worldwide, and campaigns to fundraise and spread awareness for the liberation of animals” – David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
To see more of Emily’s work click here.
![Img 0606[1]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/17172539/IMG_06061-280x178.jpg)
Browyn – I watched the video – it is amazing 🤗. How she captured the animals!
This is just knock-dead gorgeous! Will there be a print or giclee available someday?
And, the “collaboration” between these two is out of this world, of course.
Andee
A very expressive and beautiful piece. I see something new each time I look at it.
Most impressive Emily Lamb. Fascinating to watch as her whole body gestures & sways whilst she sets her brushstroke onto the canvas. The results are awesome.
It’s a stunning work of art truly representing her passion for art and wildlife conservation. Whilst it seems priceless, I hope it sells for an obscene amount of money. Congratulations Emily.
Absolutely breathtaking! I fact words completely fail to describe the creative evocation of spirit. Completely.
That is an incredible piece of artwork!!
Stunning. Love how this project amplifies the beauty that comes from the sharing of our journeys and the deep connections that can occur outside physical contact as well.
Absolutely breathtaking!!! Having enjoyed Boyd’s podcast I see the connection and passion in this incredible masterpiece. I sincerely hope the money raised will surpass the amount of love and devotion Emily has put into it. Bravo 🙏🏻💕💕💕
Magnificent doesn’t even begin to describe this painting, words fail me at this moment. I’m utterly blown away
Exceptional in every way!
The dedication to spirit on both Boyd and Emily’s part and the connection is incredible.
Breathtaking.
What an incredibly beautiful and moving painting.
I would like to participate in the auction.
Many thanks
Patsy Crisp
Absolutely beautiful – video and painting. How is the Auction bidding coming along?