A Family Legacy in Paint: The Story Behind the Allem Family Farmstead
In my work as a realist painter, I often find myself drawn to the idea of place. The landscapes I depict are not just physical locations—they are vessels of memory, personal history, and identity. One such project that particularly resonated with me was a commission I received from Marina Allem, who asked me to paint a piece that would capture a pivotal chapter in her family’s history: the farmstead established 76 years ago by her father. This was not just any commission—it was a request to breathe life into a memory, to create a painting that would serve as a window to the past, a tribute to the roots her family had laid down on that land so many years ago.
At the heart of this project was not just the farmstead itself, but the story behind it—one of legacy, perseverance, and connection to the land. I’ve worked on many commissioned pieces, but this one was particularly special because, Im sure it held deep personal meaning for Marina and her family. The farmstead was not just a piece of land—it was the foundation of their family’s journey, their story. And through this painting, Marina, I'm sure, wanted to preserve that connection and pass it on, ensuring that the memories of the farm would never fade.
A Photograph Through a Car Window: Starting with a Simple Request
The story behind this commission began in an unexpected way. Marina sent me a photo—just a simple, somewhat low resolution image taken through the window of her car. It was a snapshot of the farmstead her father had built all those many years ago, still standing proud. The photograph was not the clearest of reference material, but it captured the essence of the place: a farmstead, a few surrounding buildings and the important focal point—the grain silos. In its simplicity, the photo encapsulated, for me, something far deeper—an emotional connection to a family’s history, a place where memories were born, a place that had shaped the lives of generations.
I remember when I first received the photo. It was both a starting point and a challenge. As much as I wanted to stay true to the photograph, I knew that the painting needed to go beyond a mere reproduction of the image. My goal, as always, was to interpret it—to take the essence of the scene and translate it into a composition that felt alive, leaving in what worked compositionally and emotionally, and leaving out what didn't.
This process of taking a photograph and turning it into a work of art is always an interesting challenge. Photography, while a wonderful tool for reference, is ultimately flat—it captures a moment, but doesn’t always convey the depth or atmosphere that a painting can. So, I always take the liberties necessary to transform a scene. I added more warmth to the light, played with the colours a bit, and focused on bringing a sense of depth and texture to the elements that would have otherwise appeared flat in the original photograph.
In the end, I wanted this painting to do justice to the memories that the Allem family held dear. It had to feel like more than just a picture of a building on a plot of land—it had to be a painting that captured the spirit of the place, the legacy of Marina’s father, and the sense of connection that ran through their family’s history—and here's hoping it does that.
The Emotional Significance of the Farmstead
What I felt throughout the process of working on this piece was that there must be a deep emotional resonance that the farmstead held for Marina, otherwise why would she pay good money for this. Although the family no longer owned the land—having sold it many years ago—the farmstead and the memories associated with it must remain a powerful symbol of their history. The farm surely represented the roots of their family, a place where the past and the present met. This farm, Im sure must have shaped Marina's family’s identity, and even though they were no longer physically tied to it, the memories and the bond to the place must surely remain a vital part of their lives.
It’s not unusual for me to paint landscapes that evoke a sense of nostalgia or memory, but this was different. This farmstead painting surely isn't just a landscape—it has to be a living history. The Allem family had worked this land, built their home here, and lived their lives here amidst the expanse of the South African countryside. The house, the buildings, the surrounding land—all imbued with years of lived experience. Every corner of the farmstead surely had a story to tell for them, and through this commission, I was tasked with capturing those stories in a way that would resonate with the family.
There would be memories—the long hours spent working the land, the laughter and conversations around the dinner table, the hard work and challenges, the successes and the setbacks. All there, in the colours of the earth and the light. This wouldn't be just about a physical place—realistically, more about family history, legacy, and the passage of time—and here's hoping this painting does that for the `Allem family.
The Unexpected Turn: A Gift to Family Across the Sea
When the painting was finally finished and delivered to Marina, I had no idea that the journey of the piece was far from over. Marina, who had commissioned the painting with the intention of keeping it as a reminder of her father’s legacy, decided to take an unexpected and very generous step. In a gesture that speaks volumes about the warmth and generosity of her spirit, Marina chose to give the painting away to two of her nieces, who were visiting from the United States.
Marina’s reason for this decision was simple: "They're mad about it, so I’m giving it to them." And just like that, the painting—which was meant to be a memento for Marina herself—was off on its next adventure. It was carefully packaged and shipped halfway around the world to the United States, where it would become part of her nieces’ family story, a piece of their South African heritage they could hang on their walls and treasure for years to come.
This was a surprising turn of events for me as an artist, but it was also incredibly touching. In a way, it was the ultimate affirmation of the power of art—to transcend physical space and time, and to create connections that span across generations and geographies. The painting was no longer just a piece on a wall; it was a bridge between the Allem family’s past and their present, a way to keep the legacy of the farmstead alive, no matter how far from home they might be.
The Painting’s Journey to America: A New Chapter in the Family’s Story
I remember thinking about how the painting, now destined for a home thousands of miles away, would continue to hold the essence of that farmstead. Even though the land itself was no longer in the family’s hands, the painting would allow those memories to live on. In Marina’s nieces, the painting would find a new audience—one that might not have had the same direct connection to the farmstead, but who would still feel the deep sense of history, family, and legacy that the painting conveyed.
As the painting made its way to the United States, I imagined the conversations it would spark, the stories it would evoke, and the memories it would bring to life for those who had never seen the farmstead in person. I thought about how, for Marina’s nieces, this painting would become a tangible connection to a place that was part of their family’s roots, a piece of their heritage that they could hold on to, even from afar.
The act of giving the painting away also highlighted the way art can have a life of its own. A painting is not a static object—it takes on new meanings and significance as it moves through different hands and spaces. It becomes part of the ongoing story of the people who interact with it, and the Allem family’s farmstead, through this painting, would continue to live on in the hearts of future generations.
Reflecting on the Meaning of the Commission
While my intention was always to create a piece that honored the Allem family’s history, the act of giving the painting to her nieces added a whole new layer of significance to the work. It became something far more than just a commissioned piece; it became a part of a living, breathing legacy.
Art has a unique way of connecting us to the past, to our families, and to the places that shape us. Through this painting, I hope I was able to capture not just the physical likeness of the farmstead, but also the emotions and memories that surrounded it. I hope I was able to create something that would serve as a tangible link between the generations of the Allem family, something that would continue to resonate long after the brushstrokes had dried.
It’s moments like this—when art transcends its role as an object and becomes a living, evolving part of someone’s story—that remind me why I do what I do. It’s not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about creating connections, preserving memories, and telling stories that deserve to be remembered.
The Power of Art to Connect and Preserve Family Histories
As I reflect on this commission, I’m reminded of the incredible power art has to preserve the past and connect us to our personal histories. Whether it’s a family farmstead, a beloved home, a cherished memory, or just our stunning South African landscape, art has the ability to hold onto those moments, to give them shape and form.