The soul often gets neglected or even lost, as it tosses about in the turbulent waters of living. Sometimes it requires buoys and compasses, or at least nudges to keep it not only afloat, but blossoming in deep vitality.
For two weeks on a South African Odyssey, I found myself surrounded by a kaleidoscope of such supports in the haunting beauty of a most unique landscape. Landing in Cape Town, friend and fellow photographer Dee Whittlesey and I drove 6 hours north to Namaqualand…an interesting feat on the left side of the road.
Namaqualand encompasses an area of about 48,000 sq km (18,500 sq miles), from the Orange River in the north, to the mouth of the Olifants River in the south. During the dry months, the seeds of drought-resistant plants lie dormant in the soil. If the first rains (usually around March and April) are good, they burst into bloom from August to October. “Bloom” is hardly an adequate word to describe the incredible profusion of fuchsia pink, neon yellow and fiery orange petals that open in response to the sun's warmth and energy.
That breathtaking blaze and the precious presence of photographer and Namaqualand resident (3 months every year for 30 years) Freeman Patterson were waiting for us as we pulled up to the Kamieskroon Hotel. In the days that followed, we were treated to Freeman's offerings and to the extraordinary phenomenon of spring and survival in an arid land.
This journey was about not only photographic opportunities but also our own dormant seeds that lie waiting for sun and rain. The primitive land, the organic and inspiring words and images of Freeman provided just the right conditions for creativity to burst forth. Without the armor of pretense, truth and beauty do emerge.
Freeman says that spring in Namaqualand is one of the greatest affirmations of life. Feeling my own soul react and observing others around me, I could not help but note the interwoven metaphors. Both flower and photographer reacted to the sense of possibility and warmth that wafted through the air. Hearts opened toward the sun, colorful displays danced to ancient whispered voices, and all seemed to blossom into potential selves. It was indeed a universal affirmation of life!
Namaqualand days were filled with poetry in the form of meadows of flowers, ocean waves breaking in explosive rhythms, fantasy landscapes in a car graveyard, the secret waterfall, the ruins of an old church. Our journey took us to the village of Nourivier, where more soul seeds were awakened as we witnessed another life existence…so far from our own realities, but bound explicably in humanity.
Like Ulysses' travels, this Odyssey was anything but a mere trip. I went to South Africa open for anything. I did not really leave, even though I'm writing this and going about my everyday tasks here in Pennsylvania. My powerful dreams have shown me that in South Africa, I was invited to go deeper into my original self. It is that most precious of reflection that remains my memory.
Yes, there are the photographs… but deeper, there is the soul, the greater gift of all.
Click here for Nancy's South African Gallery
