TSoT: Kalahari Popcorn B – Caramel

TSoT = The Story of Trees

"Popcorn work" on paper: Caramel

I am ashamed of my own “ineptitude”, because my blog did not thrive the way I intended it to. However, better late than never as they say; three years passed. I think I need to be fair to myself and explain a few things which could perhaps provide some background for my disappearance from the blog landscape. Teaching full-time took its toll, and I did not completely forget about my artistic journey with the Kalahari trees.

For the last two years I worked sporadically on a manuscript which will hopefully showcase these sculptural trees (among other subjects) collectively. I thought the book was ready for distribution in December 2024, but the printer’s bug had its fingers in the pixels and a few images did not print well; another proof book will be printed soon to see if the “foul play” can be rectified, before the bells will announce its arrival.  

Caramel reworked with a filter in Inkscape.

Now that the embarrassment has a name and a date, let us move on to tastier things, such as a delicious bowl (or movie-style box) full of caramel popcorn. I hope we can arrange a cosy atmosphere here amongst arty friends. Just on this sweet note, I had different flavours in mind for these treescapes, three years ago, but I had to “obey” the edited version as they now appear in my imminent book: Kalahari kwashale en sketse (Kalahari brushstrokes and sketches). So, perhaps the interruption in my blog writing rhythm was a blessing too, because now I have a published book (author's proof book) in my hand to give me an overview and to stimulate my thoughts even further.

Imagine Caramel nicely framed.

When I hear the word caramel I immediately think of a delicious double-layered home baked chocolate cake that has a generous coating of caramel (cooked condensed milk) between the cakes and on top. Later in my life I discovered that some hosts combine a can of caramelized condensed milk with a tin of evaporated milk to create a wonderful hot ice cream sauce. If you want to know more about the origins of caramel click on the link and be “delighted”: the origins of caramel. Jenny Colgan wrote, "I think love is caramel. Sweet and fragrant; always welcome".

Living with Caramel.

When I look at the layout of this work, it somehow reminds me of an energetic man who is standing very conspicuously and firmly, maybe observing a street scene with an umbrella in his hand; he is not missing anything. The shape of the tree dominates the foreground and the entire picture plane; it is impossible to ignore it. Who wants to be ignored? Make an impression and keep the crowd talking! (Excuse my interjections.) When one starts to imagine poses and subjects which could hide in the shapes of trees, it can indeed be a humorous exercise, very similar to the images children see in rolling cloud patterns. I am going to provide a link to a short video in which you can see more of these Kalahari trees. The scenes were filmed in January 2025, and you can hear the lovely birds sounds too. Pillars of strength #shortvideo #trees #strength #hope #protection #birdlife #morning #gratitude

Seeing I can no longer provide links to my Shopify store, because I closed it; I simply could not get that kite meaningfully in the air. In order to still provide a few highlights, I have used canvy.com to create a few interiors with this work. I think, perhaps I have said enough in this post. I have popped the “lazy” kernel at last.

Caramel makes a gallery statement.

I trust you will have a sweet day or evening and that you will stand tall and do that work well, which only you can do. Remember there is Art in your heart and let those virtuous ideas start popping and cover them with caramel so that others can enjoy them too.