With Gratitude
In life we have those people, books, circumstances and chance fate meetings that make us stop, reconsider our mortality and purpose in life. Below are a few of the people I admire, respect and who inspire me. We have a wealth of opportunity and treasures in life, if we only have the courage to take up our own gifts, our uniqueness and unearth those gems that are of great worth and value. Born in our true psyche to be shared with others.
Here I wish to add a quotation used by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech....
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
"You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny."
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
 | Thank you to God for my gifts and the grace that has carried me to safe places amidst my world travels and for guiding me along my path. My father, Reginald Sandford Joseph Penman was born in Phulera, India and is a man I am proud to call my father. He was funny, wise, a gentleman and had the artists gift. He would sit and play guitar with me and encouraged my drawing, for which I am eternally grateful. |
 | My mother Marion Penman (nee Vinnicombe) raised me with a deep love and respect for animals and our pets in our home were part of the family. She is known amongst friends and collegues as a woman who has an inner strength, perseverance, wisdom and sense of humor. Marion is a woman who sat with me when I was young at the kitchen table with decopage and paint by numbers oil paints. I am blessed to have such great parents. To you both, I say Thank you. |
 | I truly believe in the fact that miracles happen every day - from the small to the most obvious. My meeting with one of the top designers in Los Angeles and New York, Tim was one of those times in my life when I was reminded that there truly is an invisible power / source / spirit that is operating in accordance with our deepest desires and for our highest good. I met Tim while working at a game reserve for a short period at the beginning of 2010. His vision, warm and sincere friendship and inspiration has had a profound impact on my life and journey as an artist. Thank you Tim for your sharing, integrity and sincerity. Blessings for all your endeavors and it is an honor to know you. |
 | I met Linney Elder when I was working in the corporate environment as a researcher. Needless to say - I felt like a round peg being hammered into a square hole! Linney was a constant source of unconditional love, upliftment, wisdom and her energy exuded love. As fate would bring us together again 5 years onward, she has graced me with the gift of Reiki healing universal energy. On the 21st of December 2011 we sat on the beach and I received this gift. I am humbled that she is my teacher and a dear friend. When I create an artwork, I have found this energy to be a great source of inspiration, passion and creativity. I pray before each artwork and ask that the viewer benefit from the love that God gives to us all freely. (www.infinitely-possible.com) |
 | Arriving in a new Land - New Zealand. April 2009, I packed a bag and had two unfinished oil paintings as hand luggage. I was destined for a new life in New Zealand. I was greeted by three guardian angels. Winks and Roy Thatcher and Belinda Paterson embraced me as their own family. An African experiencing minus 10 deg C weather, snow and a completely new environment could have been a very shocking scenario, however, with their love, support and kindness, I found a new home in a new Land. Thank you from my heart for your Love and support. |
 | Belinda Paterson - a friend and sister and my rescuing angel! When I needed support with my residency, she was there. When the earthquake happened in Christchurch, she welcomed me into her home in Auckland. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Belinda has the most amazing outlook on life and sense of humor. What an amazing gift to know you and I look forward to future conversations, laughs and your divine cooking! |
 | "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" I have heard being said. In my personal experience, Mark Fleming embodies this mantra, and I am so very proud to have him as a friend. Mark is the owner of Mrs Higgins Cookies in Christchurch, New Zealand. Over the past year (2010) Christchurch has experienced in excess of 9000 earthquakes. Part of the ramifications of this act of Mother Nature - the beautiful building where his new store was located was demolished. He now has a cookie cruiser which is a mobile cruiser which dishes out delicious cookies around Christchurch, New Zealand. Isnt that amazing! Please visit him here |
As a friend, I could not have wished for a kinder employer and support during my emigration to New Zealand. Thanking you Mark Fleming for all your kindness, wisdom and sincerity. Bless you abundantly Friend.
 | Meeting Randall Froude in a small town in Canterbury, South Island New Zealand in 2009 was a miracle and dream come true. I had wished for a teacher - someone who could show me how oil paint works! One day I went into a gallery and saw the most amazing art. I asked the gallery owner who the artist was, and 5 minutes later I was shaking hands with the Master himself. Randall and I became good friends and we would spend many content hours in his studio painting and chatting. He is 81 years young and has been painting for 50 years. To view his work, please visit here Since returning to South Africa, I miss those times spent with Randall and look forward to seeing him in 2012. |
 | Five years ago I walked into a pet shop - something I never do, and I saw in a cage a really tiny little kitten. She was no larger than my palm and her tail was as long as half my small finger. She was so tiny, I could not leave her behind. I bought her for 2 USDollars. She is one of my best friends, companions and inspiration. Daily I am reminded of the unconditional love, the joy and entertainment that our animal companions give to us. She is a large part of my desire to help animals through my work. Please visit here for further information on my pet portraits initiative |
Alex Perez and his wife Bertha have kindly added me to their galleries. Alex is an artist I aspire to and I love his work. He has a giving and kind nature, sharing his knowledge and skill in art. Thank you so much both of you. Here is the link:
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
