Through painting and drawing, Marion observes and captures the unnoticed moments of daily human existence and the public spaces we inhabit. Her current work explores the common human experience of transitions: the in-between moments of getting somewhere; the moving and the waiting. In these moments we are connected to each other through simply being there, in a space together. This connection is reflected in the African philosophy of ubuntu: ‘a person is a person through other people’.

For Marion, art is an antidote to the humdrum routine of life and to the overwhelming challenges of the world we live in. Through art she has created a space for herself where she can retreat, and focus on the beauty of life and human existence.

“When I draw, the world goes quiet, my mind empties and my focus is brought back to the moment: I stop, look and pay attention to the small things in front of me which validate my human existence and connection with the world around me. My paintings are a recreation of these moments. Through my work I aim to pass on to the viewer the same experience of grounding and human connectedness.”

Born and raised in South Africa, Marion lived in Cape Town until her day job prompted a recent move to Reading, UK. Her art education began at primary school, and it has been part of her life ever since. Her undergrad BA included theatre arts, painting and drawing, and she has supplemented this over the years with various art courses and mentoring. She is part of two peer-based artist crit groups, in Cape Town and in Reading. She is an Associate Artist at Jelly, a Reading-based art collective, and an exhibiting member of the Reading Guild of Artists. Her work can be found in homes across the globe, including South Africa, UK, Singapore, Australia and USA.

instagram: @marionsmallbones

mail: art@smallbones.com