Grady Zeeman

I regularly spend time at an airport, either due to my own travels or my family’s. I have always been deeply touched by the pure, uninhibited form of expressing love when people are saying farewell or when welcomed home. On many occasions, I have cried my heart out with other mothers I have never met before.

With more than 2 million South Africans living abroad, whether students, part of the international workforce, or those who emigrated, most of us have children, family, or friends who live all over the world. The thought that one would not see them in the next year, two or more is gut-wrenching. Due to technology, we can have good relationships with our loved ones, but the one thing missing is the ability to touch, to hold, to kiss. As humans we are social animals, we thrive when we are connected to others. Touch is one way we can express that connection. In his book 5 Languages of Love, Gary D. Chapman describes physical touch as a love language. When we hug, whether it is a bear hug, a side hug, or any other form, our bodies release oxycontin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which increases bonding, closeness, and trust. Hugs have other health benefits too: lowering blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety levels, and cortisol, are but a few.

Vibrating at 528Hz, love opens, balances, and heals the heart chakra. Flowers, grass, the buzzing of bees, and even a sunbeam, vibrate at the same frequency. Scientists see 528Hz as the frequency of life itself, I see it as the Divine weaving his love through every aspect of His creation.

In this series, Till We Meet Again, I have focused on the deep human emotions, that all stem from love, and by illuminating the people in the painting, I portray them as being encompassed by the energy of Divine love. My preferred medium is oil, though I start with a thin layer of acrylic to let the texture of the canvas through. By adding texture to the scene, I create a contrast, symbolizing life’s difficulties that can be overcome by love.

I desire that through this series, my love for the Divine, my love for humanity, and my love for life itself, is evident; and that my legacy through my art will be Love, Hope, and Light.