Spreading hope with every stitch ... and paint .... I have embarked on an exciting new project - a collaboration between myself and the Amandawe Support Group (see The Bag of Hope link under the links drop down menu)  - they make the fabric landscapes and I incorporate it in to my art. The series is called "The Vukuzakhe Project" because this 'standing up and doing it for yourself'. This project will allow the ladies to make money and me to make money - all fair.

The first 2 are complete and the 3rd is underway. Each piece will be on a 36x24 inch wooden panel. I attach plexiglass dowels to support the fabric landscape above the painting. This will protect the fabric piece, keep it as an individual piece of art and will 'float' over the scene. Each completed piece will bear the signature of Anne and the designer of the fabric landscape. True collaboration and inspiring to both artists!

As with all my work, this work cannot be reproduced or copied - strictly copyright to both artists.

 this is stage 1 - some of the materials I'll be using... a 36x24 wooden panel, plexiglass dowels and a fabric landscape. I am so excited about this project - art and a good cause!
Early stage in painting 1:

Below: the first piece still to be named finished, it is a collaboration with Thembeka. The fabric landscape depicts the perfect village with adults taking care of the crops and washing and everything's in order.  The painting shows the children now alone, the crops unattended and animals gone because they have not had an adult to guide them and show them how to do it. The path they are trying to go up reaches to the perfect village state they need to and hope to live in



Below: The second piece is also unnamed as yet - it depicts from the fabric landscape, the children's homes empty of adults - at night this is a dangerous time for the orphans - and the children are heading home protected by the spirits of their ancestors. This piece is a collaboration with one of the newest members of the group, Duduzile:


Below: the start of painting 3: the group protectively holding the 2 girls playing represent the Amandawe Support group. Some will be in traditional headdress. I will be using strong bright colours