In southern Africa beadwork has become a defining feature of cultural identity and also refers to the history of colonization. As an art medium beads symbolize the historic links between Europe and Africa, relationships between black and white and for the artist, a process of re-assessing and analyzing one’s cultural and spiritual belonging as a South African.

Blood, Sweat and Tears, a work in progress, is based on the carcass of a lamb which will be finely beaded. Animals are a source of wealth and pride in all farming communities and this work seeks to explore what is culturally valuable across culture boundaries.