Leadwoods are widespread across southern Africa and are characteristic of savanna and grassland areas. They are the largest of the bushwillow species, growing up to 15m in height with a sparse, semi-deciduous canopy of grey-green leaves and snake-like bark. Leadwoods are extremely slow growing, radiocarbon dating has shown large trees to be well over 1000 years old. The wood is dense and heavy and is termite resistant. It burns very slowly with intense heat, and is often used for a fire which is intended to burn all night in order to keep wild animals at bay.

Parts of this tree are used in a number of ways: smoke that comes from the burning leaves has been used to relieve coughs, colds and chest complaints. The flowers can also be used as a cough mixture. The gum that exudes from damaged areas on the stem is edible and forms part of the diet of the Bushmen. Leadwood ash is used as a toothpaste. The tree has special cultural and religious importance to the Ovambo people of Namibia

I took the photograph that provided the reference for this etching in the Lower Sabie region of the Kruger National Park.

To produce an etching, I first start by doing a drawing. Once this is complete, I scratch the image on to a thin sheet of plexiglass using an etching needle, this becomes the etching plate. I cover the plate with etching ink which settles into the scratched grooves. I carefully wipe away the excess ink, leaving a small amount to cover the surface of the plate. I lay a slightly damp piece of 300g Acid Free Fabriano paper on top of the etching plate and then run the paper and the plate through a hand operated printing press. The pressure of the press forces the ink out of the grooves and on to the damp paper. It is an uncertain process subject to many mistakes and I am never sure what the result will be until it emerges from the press. If I have left too much ink on the plate, the result is too dark, if I haven’t left enough ink then I lose the characteristic ‘smokey’ effect of an etching. The plate will last for approximately 25 prints before it becomes clogged or damaged and no longer useable. For this etching I have added the sun using gold leaf.

Limited edition dry point etching and gold leaf on 350g Acid Free Fabriano Paper. This etching is delivered rolled into a tube, ready for framing. Free worldwide shipping.

Etching size: 340mm x 410mm