Twilight
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I began painting professionally in 1975, under the guidance of my father, the late Alfred ‘Chink’ Ewan, a well-known Eastern Cape watercolourist and academic, who lectured at Rhodes University during the 50’s and 60’s.
In the 90’s I moved from watercolours to acrylics and mixed media.
In an article in the Financial Mail (July 12 1996), Michael Coulson wrote, “Anyone who thinks of Rowett as a purveyor of skilled pretty watercolours had better think again. Her latest work is a sea change
in both technique and approach. A strong show, confirming how right she was to strike out in a fresh new direction.”
The evolution and challenges continue - having used natural form as a starting point I try to fi nd a new vision. Symbols have been used to convey ideas or feelings e.g. a garment on a hanger hints of the
fragility of life, a bowl - displacement. Recently, after reading some of my late mother’s journal’s, a series called “Secrets” evolved.
Working intuitively, I search for that elusive combination of subconscious mark-making and the manipulating of elements to find the sense of closure given by a fi nished painting.
The working process involves collage at times and the layering of paint, with rubbing, scraping off, applying more paint as forms emerge and disappear until a balance is found. Overall, working on
a larger scale gives a greater sense of freedom and consequently is more satisfying.
Represented in many private and corporate collections throughout South Africa and internationally.
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