SARA ABBOTT

Sara Abbot b.1945 Nairobi, Kenya has resided for two decades in the village of Stanford, situated within the Overberg region of South Africa’s Western Cape.

 Her pastel drawings are centred on the local landscape, documenting observed environmental changes associated with climate warming. These include rising water levels of the Klein River and a noticeable decline in riverine insect and bird populations, which she records with an informed approach to colour. In October 2023 floods significantly affected the habitat, removing breeding grounds and further threatening endemic species.

 Abbot also depicts the horses on her property as embodying a sense of freedom and ease, while her garden scenes illustrate the diverse plant life characteristic of this fertile setting.

Her accomplished technique with pastel crayon is the result of extensive practice and continued study. Informed by a perceptive understanding of the Overberg environment and a refined use of colour, her work demonstrates both technical proficiency and a keen awareness of her surroundings.

Stanford has experienced significant growth in both popularity and its reputation for idyllic village life in recent years. Abbott’s insightful creativity offers an exceptional record of this harmonious environment, where natural beauty and contemporary living are seamlessly integrated.