In early January 2019 fire devastated the small seaside town's of Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay, Hangklip & Rooi Els. The fire did not only destroy homes of both humans and animals alike but sadly caused great loss of life as well adversity for the local community.

There often seems to be misconception that inspiration is only to be found in objects of beauty or significance; a captivating women sitting in a coffee shop, a exquisite looking flower on an afternoon walk or even the smell carried in the breeze outside after a refreshing spring shower. However, as creatives we occasionally endeavor to find inspiration in seemingly un-inspirational aspects of life. Sometimes the mundane and ordinary present itself as a source and at other times, tragedy.

As we drove through the town looking for a suitable location to shoot we expected to see distressing scenes of a previously busy town but we were pleasantly surprised to see how the community had pulled together and were already focused on the re-construction of their beloved town and family homes.

Once again, we were reminded of the humanity that we all have somewhere deep down inside. What a pity this humanity is often only displayed during times of tragedy and devastation and not carried through into our everyday lives. Surely it would benefit all parties involved rather than only the recipients?

Since I was young I have always concerned myself with beautifying things (or as seven-year-old me would have proclaimed: "making it look pretty") and finding the elegance in people, places objects around me. The initial concept was to find proof that beauty exists, even within tragedy. Beauty was surprisingly easy to find and prompted not only at the delicacy of life, but also the strength that we embody to carry us through the tough times.