If You Look Beyond The Sense, Pockects Of Love Surround Us All

Lotus 

In both Chinese and African traditions, the lotus flower is seen as a symbol of purity and strength. Its daily cycle of closing at night and blooming again in the morning, mirrors the rhythms of healing, reminding us that growth is an ongoing process, shaped by both adversity and hope.

The series is inspired by the flower and it’s symbol of strength, renewal, and transformation. It grows from muddy water, yet it rises pure and untouched, opening each day to meet the light. This balance between struggle and beauty reflects the themes in my work.  

Healing is at the heart of my work. It is not a solitary journey but one shaped by those who came before us and those who walk beside us. Through this series, I explore the unspoken stories we carry. The weight of experience, the process of breaking and mending, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward.  

In the aftermath of the pandemic, many of us have faced loss, isolation, and uncertainty. This series creates a space for reflection, renewal, and self-forgiveness. It is an offering. A moment of stillness, a place to reconnect with oneself.  

Through layers of texture and depth, I reflect the complexity of the human mind and spirit. Some surfaces are rough, others smooth—just like life, where pain and peace coexist. Light and shadow play across the pieces, revealing what is seen and what remains hidden. My process is intuitive, allowing materials to guide the work, much like healing itself. Unpredictable, layered, and deeply personal.  

I want my art to be more than something you look at. I want it to be something you feel. A quiet recognition. A sense of calm. A reminder that, like the lotus, you can rise, no matter where you’ve been.


  • If You Look Beyond The Sense, Pockects Of Love Surround Us All
  • Olwethu de Vos
  • Ink, pastel, staples, copper and steel wool on wood
  • 155 x 150 x 13 centimeters
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