Ascending – a Painting about courage.
Time to step out into the unknown…
All elements in this painting are symbols that enhance the story I portrayed in this artwork.
The Bumblebee myth:
Because of the myth that engineers have proved that Bumblebees cannot fly as their wings are too small for their bulky bodies, I chose to put the Bumblebee in the foreground of the painting.
Mr Bumblebee, therefore, becomes a strong symbol in this story as anything is possible if you set your mind to it!
(By the way, the key to the Bumblebee flying is the extremely fast speed at which they can move their wings. Moving their wings at about 200 times a second allows them to move the same amount of air as larger but slower-moving wings of other insects and birds.)
Bees: A Symbol for resilience
The bee is the symbol of hard work, commitment, and resilience, they are companions you have to take with you on your way to your breakthrough.
The Aeroplane:
The descending aeroplane is a vehicle to take you on your way to the top.
You are on top of an old Midnight Blue vintage Ford “bakkie” (truck).
I used the Ford as a “take-off” point as it has character, it is strong, collectable and unique and an all-time classic, all beautiful character traits we may strive for.
You are grounded, standing firmly on the truck.
Grounded but not stranded.
More than ready to take off and fly!

