Christine Lamberth
Christine, a wildlife artist in residence at SCHLESIEN – Earth Unearth in both 2022 and 2023, has immersed herself in the unique landscape and creative energy of our retreat. She captures her unique wildlife experiences on Schlesien with this statement, paintings and sketches:
“My passion for this earth’s creatures was born on the plains of Africa. It is where I discovered that man has ravaged the earth and is continuing unabated in his quest to destroy the only planet we have, where life is sustained. Somehow amidst this chaos, we have to leave, to our children, somewhere where they can continue to survive and thrive.
That is how I came to be on Schlesien, a jewel in the crown of Namibia. It’s stark landscape, with rolling hills covered in jagged yellow grass fronds, providing a savage and unrelenting home for the Hartmann Zebras. Yet another species in a list of endangered beings, being marginalised and ignored by the avarice of the world.
Schlesien is an oasis in a world gone mad. Here, the vastness and the stillness offer sanctuary to both man and animal. Here one can find oneself in the stillness. A place where the soul can speak and it can be heard.
My six weeks spent there with only a handful of people and the Hartmann Zebras allowed me the time to not only find the Zebras, and discover their secret language of existence, but it also afforded me the time to reflect on my own being. I was able to discover within myself an increased passion to help, in any way I can, to preserve spaces within the African landscape for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The complete stillness, the vastness, the blue skies and endless hills that disappear into the distance brought me to a better understanding of what my role should be and who I can be of service to in the Africa of today.
I will continue to use my creative spirit and work, to bring an awareness that “We are the miraculous”, we must be the caring stewards, we are the responsible ones and only then will “We come to it”. Only then will our job be done.”
Christine Lamberth is a dedicated Wildlife Artist who primarily works in rich tones of black and white, capturing the spirit of animals in her compelling imagery. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues like The Mall Galleries in London, The Golden Turtle in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and the Fine Art Gallery in Swakopmund, among others. Over the years, she has received several international awards.
Born in South Africa’s Free State mining town, Christine discovered her passion for art in the 1980s and graduated with a Bachelor in Visual Arts (Hons) from UNISA in 2005. She is deeply committed to using her art to support wildlife conservation, working with organizations such as the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and Africa Peace Parks. Currently, Christine travels throughout Southern Africa, contributing to conservation efforts like the preservation of the Hartmann Zebras.