The beginning of a longer walk

A huge thank you to all of you who came to the “Short walk in the Solu Khumbu” exhibition in London at the end of October, as a result of your support and strong sales I am delighted to tell you that with the help of the Himalayan Trust we have raised enough money to re-open the Health centre in Phortse that has been closed for three years. As well as that Tashi and Palden have started a “meals on wheels” for the elderly in the village with a daily meeting house and a hot meal which will be taken to the homes of those too frail to attend the meeting house. Flick and I intend the funding from this to be on going, supported by print and painting sales from the Gallery.

The experience of trekking in the Himalayas was life-changing for us both, not just the mountains but the people. To “road test” my methodology in such a visually challenging environment and find that it worked was very encouraging; the glimpse of Buddhism that subtly influenced my imagery as the paintings developed was an unanticipated bonus. When we returned home from the exhibition and after the dust had settled I began to consider what next, at which point I realised that I was feeling disquietingly bereft. Then one morning I was walking along the long beach with the dogs and there was a patch of low winter light on the point at Rhue, suddenly I saw that I didn’t have to discontinue the work that I had begun in Nepal, I just had to bring it home. Strange to travel halfway around the world in order to see your own country with fresh eyes, or maybe not!