Through a series of coincidences, it ended up being about Mary Kingsley, a British woman from the 19th century, one of the few women to travel independently to exotic locations, in her case, West Africa. I did not know about MK before. I was merely looking for a picture of a female traveller, not necessarily from that period, to use in my collage. Via some hops, skips and jumps I landed up with this picture. The face intrigued me. I read (online) part of the book she wrote, Travels in West Africa. (I incorporated the first few sentences on the collaged map). Then I decided to find out more about her. Here is the interesting thing. Mary Kingsley, aged 38, died in Simon's Town, about 2 km from where I live now. She died in 1900, from typhoid fever, while working as a volunteer nurse, treating Boer prisoners during the Anglo-Boer war.
A bold woman ...
13 comments:
Amazing how we can learn things even when we are looking for something else. This lady sounds like quite a maverik and pioneer. Fun to get to know more about her. And your travel page becomes twice as interesting. Well done!
I should track down a copy of that book, as my dad was in Sierra Leone during the war. Another lovely collage!
bold indeed. what a perfect role model!
I love how one thing leads to another and you end up following up something you didn't expect. Her story sounds very interesting and unusual for those times. It is sad she died so young. I liek the journal page she inspired-the layers like the layers of the maps.
I love the wandering feeling in the text. and the colours.and everything togeter
Adventuring at the turn of the century for such a young woman is incredible. I would love to read her adventure. Good find Ms. Anairam, and a wonderful collage!
now that is a very interesting twist for your efforts. beautiful face, made more so by the facts you shared.
re. making personalized cards - i have a fantasy of doing this, and i think if i want to do it for december 2010, i better start now. seriously.
what a strange coincidence. she sounds like a fascinating woman. i like the details in your piece.
What a great story!!! Love your collage too - it's beautiful.
Traveling...hmmm that gives me an idea- when our house gets put back together you and Snous could come up here - we would have an adventure...
i learn the most interesting things when i come here! reading the stories behind pieces of art make me feel so connected to them!
what a great discovery! You traveled someone's life. and i love your interpretation!!
Oh but Dexter does love Snous, you realize of course that he must be able to get a whiff of her and roll her around a bit . Dexter is not good about virtual roll overs...he tries but he is limited. He is not good at many things like just now he ate a chewins and it got stuck in his nose...Snous may want to re-think her love...We send big kisses and snugggles!
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