“One who does not retreat” – isiZulu
Elephants are among the most emotionally complex and physically commanding subjects I work with, and they continue to challenge me in unexpected ways.
Although not my first elephant, this particular bull, staring slightly askew with quiet dominance, proved to be the most difficult smoke piece I’ve created to date. At first, the process flowed well. But halfway through, the masking tape holding the piece in place gave way, tearing straight through the smokey layers I had so carefully built. There was no way to salvage it. I had to start over.
New paper, same pose, same pressure. Redoing a piece from scratch, especially one as demanding as this, tested me in ways I didn’t expect. Each day required flicker-by-flicker patience.
Progress felt slow, mentally draining, and full of resistance. But somehow, that mirrored the subject itself: a stubborn, towering presence that refused to be rushed or controlled. This elephant didn’t just stare back from the page, it challenged me. And I met that challenge with just as much grit.
That’s why I’ve titled this piece Mabatha, a word from isiZulu that means “one who does not retreat.” It speaks not only to the nature of the animal (resolute, powerful, unyielding) but also to the journey behind its creation. In the end, it feels less like I drew him, and more like I earned his presence.
