Illustrations

I have always loved art  and during my days at  Wykeham Girls School in Pietermaritzburg, all other lessons were just tedious hours spent waiting to be in the art room. Sadly, my paint box sat unused for many years as other pursuits—and parenthood—vied for my attention, but after completing the book, my family and friends encouraged me to do these watercolours of the  principal characters.

Ellen

I remember the Xhosa women for the colourful clothing and head scarf (doek) they wore beautifully accompanied by the intricate traditional beadwork bracelets, necklace and earrings. Ellen smoking a traditional Xhosa pipe (inqawe). The pipe serves a social and spiritual significance, often used to communicate with ancestors for their guidance and protection, as do Ellen and Gogo.

Gogo

Xhosa culture is firmly based upon the strong bonds and traditions of the family clan and the much respected elders pass on Xhosa history and spiritual beliefs through generations. Gogo, the wizened but wise and contented mother of Ellen, at peace with herself, her surroundings and others, embodies the virtues of 'ubuntu'

Thembe

The second image of Thembe is as a successful but troubled artist, beset with self doubt and sadness as her personal life unwinds.

Thembe

The third painting shows a maturing Thembe as a happier and more confident performer. I just couldn’t discard one for the other so used both.

Kristi

Yes, a self portrait of the author as she would like to be remembered as a twenty something and indeed unto this day?! If only! This drawing was based on a photo taken at a wedding in Australia shortly before my marriage. Yes, Kristi is based on my own childhood in Kokstad, as is her mother on my beloved and much missed mother Mignon.
mt currie

Mount Currie

Kokstad is surrounded by the hills and mountains which are part of the scenic Drakensberg Range but Mt Currie is the most imposing feature overlooking the town. The nature reserve at its base is long established and well used as a recreational area by townspeople. I spent many glorious days there with my siblings and friends, wandering the many paths winding up to the steeper slopes.
cover

Front Cover

I have used three drawings of Thembe in the book.The first, on the book cover, shows a contented, contemplative Thembe before Mt Currie which carries dramatically different significance from her early and later years.

Back Cover

Mount Currie once again blending into an incomplete outline of Africa to symbolize South Africas unfinished journey. The motifs around the edge of the picture represent the embroidered squares which ultimately makes up Thembe's cloth.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about, or comments on, Thembe's Cloth, contact Glenda directly at glendaralphhay@gmail.com​