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Fund
raiser communique - March 2006
Justice
for Agriculture (JAG) Zimbabwe
March 03, 2006
For funds in
aid of the Justice for Agriculture Trust.
The JAG Trust is re-launching the African Art fund raising project
commencing in January 2006.
This is the second painting to be offered in a series; last months
painting was a huge success.
It is the Trust's intention to silent auction via the Internet and
the Trust's extensive e-mail network an anonymous donor commissioned
painting in each month of 2006.
The much needed funds raised by this initiative will go towards
the operational costs of the Justice for Agriculture Trust, which
carries out community charitable support work and various action
projects on behalf of farmers and farm workers under extremely difficult
circumstances and against all odds.
About the
artist: Nigel Saunders
Born at Umtali in December of 1959, Nigel Saunders has lived in
Zimbabwe all his life, either on game parks or farms, as a game
ranger/guide or a farmer. Nigel and his family were forced off their
family farm in October of 2002.
Always having an appreciation for art and being able to draw, Nigel
approached Larry Norton for advice and direction and was encouraged
to take up painting soon after moving into the city. Sadly Larry
moved to South Africa and it was soon afterwards that Nigel had
a chance meeting with Craig Bone, who was equally very encouraging
and extremely generous with his time and knowledge. Nigel worked
with Craig for 18 months, until Craig and his family immigrated
to the United States at the end of 2004.
A keen conservationist, Nigel spends much time in the game parks
of Zimbabwe, either photographing or sketching. His contributions
to conservation have been many, including; being the Vice Chairman
of the Wildlife Producers' Association of Zimbabwe, Vice Chairman
of the Intensive Conservation Area of Bindura, and Chairman of the
Mutepatepa Conservancy (a privately owned game park of six landowners),
which he founded and developed, in early 1995.
Nigel now paints 'full time' in Harare and has had two joint exhibitions
to date. The first was held in conjunction with other wildlife artists
at the Chapman Golf club in August 2004, and the other at the Cape
Pallet Gallery in George, South Africa, in November and December
of 2005. All the paintings he exhibited were successfully sold.
In between painting for exhibitions, Nigel does commissioned work
and has recently completed a painting for Dulux Paints, for their
Head Office in Johannesburg.
Nigel is married
to Joana (nee Browning) and they have three daughters, Leanne (13
years), Claire (11 years), and Caroline (8 years). Nigel can be
contacted at nesaunders@zol.co.zw
The painting
will be offered on silent auction up until March 31 2006. Bids may
be registered via email with JAG's office: jag@mango.zw
or justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw.
It is hoped that this and the other silent auctions will provide
the purchaser with a unique opportunity to obtain a valuable painting
by leading local and internationally recognised artists whilst at
the same time assisting an organisation and community dedicated
to Zimbabwe's future.
The opening pre-auction bid on this, the second in the series of
paintings, is US$2000.00 received from a Local prospective purchaser.
Please could JAG membership, recipients on the JAG email network
and all those sympathetic to Zimbabwe's plight, humanitarian or
environmental, forward this email worldwide via their mailing lists;
it is especially important to target collectors of African art.
See attached image "Against All Odds". For a larger, more defined
image and more about the artist please write and request from jag@mango.zw
or justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
- message size.
About the
painting:
Title: Against all odds
Size: 600mm x 600mm (24"x 24")
Medium: Oil on canvas - unframed
Painted by: Nigel Saunders
Date:
February 2006
Set amongst the timeless kopjes of Mashonaland the scene depicts
the past and present of this troubled land Zimbabwe. This country
was unique in that 60% of wildlife roamed freely on privately owned
land.
The picture depicts these themes.
Where in the past the "San" (Bushman) lived in this land and showed
many facets of their lives through their wonderful rock art paintings
which remain to this day.
The leopard (Panthera Pardus) a majestic wild cat of Africa, an
extraordinary survivor despite mans obsession with him.
The Kopjes. Unique tree clad granite hills and outcrops, home to
the leopards, dassies (rock rabbits) and many small mammals, reptiles
and birds.
Set in a scene typical of the Mashona high-veld where most of the
tobacco farms were once productive, the leopard was either admired
or despised whether the farmer had livestock or crops.
Historically persecuted by stockmen and hunters alike these wily
creatures managed to avoid extinction in these areas for over a
century by adapting to more cunning and elusive habits. In the 1980's
and 1990's historical attitudes softened towards these magnificent
animals as farm owners became more conservation-minded and encouraged
wildlife as a source of enjoyment and financial reward. As a result
of this attitude change leopards began re-populating farming districts,
which had suffered a serious depletion in their numbers.
Sadly today, given the adverse circumstances of the failed land
reform program, their status is unknown. The farmers who had conservation
at heart are no longer there and the once thriving game populations
have been decimated.
Visit the JAG
Zimbabwe fact
sheet
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
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