Journey into Africa from the heart of Scotland

Two friends, Emily Lamb and Boyd Varty spent the initial global lockdown 6000 kilometres apart and yet intrinsically linked in honour of art, exploration and Mother Earth.  It was a journey inspired by Boyd’s pledge to spend 40 days and 40 nights alone in the wilderness and discover the true mystic in Nature. The result is a wild and beautiful artwork, ‘Mother’ by Emily Lamb. 

‘Mother’ is a painting of life, memory, forgiveness and hope. The energy in this painting was embraced and painted with intention to reflect the fierce life-force that is needed to transform our relationship with the natural world so we no longer loot her bounty.”

Says Emily Lamb

The artwork encompasses the magic and mystic realms through the golds and blues that dance among clashing oryx, lions roaring, leopards prowling and the iconic African fish eagle in full flight.

Emily, a DSWF Wildlife Art Ambassador and past Artist in Residence at Londolozi, spent lockdown creating ‘Mother’ in Scotland.

Below is the video that can be found on the blog section at Londolozi and full credit goes to Bronwyn Varty-Laburn for the vision to merge our journeys into artwork, and Richard Laburn for creating it. Thank you also to photographer Matthew Armstrong-Ford for the photographs of the painting as I worked.

Taking advantage of lockdown, Boyd Varty spent 40 days and 40 nights alone in the Londolozi wilderness exploring the delights and delicacies of nature on foot and in isolation.

In what was described as a lightning bolt moment, Emily decided to dedicate the same period of time to painting ‘Mother’, an artwork brewing in her mind’s eye.

Together, but far apart, Emily and Boyd immersed themselves in the wonders of nature and the imagination. While living in the treehouse Boyd kept a podcast of his experiences. 

Emily following in her grandfather, David Shepherd’s footprints, embodies DSWF’s vision the Art of Survival as she uses her paintbrush in service to endangered wildlife and the wildernesses she loves so much. 

“We are blessed with infinite creative potential and clues from nature to invent our ways to live more sustainably with mother earth,” says Emily. “This was my time to stop and be still, and to step up and celebrate the majesty of Africa.”

‘Mother’ is available for sale via our online shop. 50% of the proceeds go to DSWF so that we can continue our vital work protecting deeply threatened species across Africa and Asia. 

“I would like to dedicate this piece to Dan Lawrence for his belief in me when I was lost, and the countless hours he gifted me to find recovery and peace,” says Emily.