Description
A large impressive figurative oil painting by Kenya artist Karen Laurence-Rowe who is more traditionally known for her wildlife. But as this striking study shows, this award-winning artist and conservationist is equally adept at many subject matters. Karen sketched this painting at the traditional wedding ceremony the local Samburu community afforded her daughter when she got married. Her daughter runs an elephant sanctuary and the Samburu bring her goat milk to feed the orphan calves as it is kinder on an elephant’s stomach than formula. Known as the Reteti ‘Milk Mamas’ these ladies are key players in ‘The Milk to Market’ program which enables indigenous Samburu women to sell their excess goat milk to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, thus supporting their economic growth and helping rehabilitate rangelands. At the celebration, the men were displaying their talent at leaping and dancing, whilst the womenfolk looked on, hence the ‘wall flower’ reference. The Samburu are often called the ‘Butterfly People’ because of their colourful and decorative appearance. As with all Karen’s work, this painting is beautifully and professionally framed.