Discover the story of Jan Theron
“In the quaint town of Paarl, where I was born, my grandparents’ garden was graced with a magnificent Frangipani tree. Its blossoms and their scent painted an enchanting atmosphere that I would immerse myself in as a child, lying on the lawn, breathing in the intoxicating fragrance. Each night, as I lay in bed, I yearned to carry that sensory experience with me.
One morning, armed with my birthday gift – a small instamatic camera, I found a way to encapsulate this feeling. I captured the Frangipani tree, the Jasmine, the Hydrangeas, and even the juicy interior of a freshly peeled orange from the tree. Once developed and printed, these photos allowed me to take the essence of the garden with me, not just its visual beauty, but also its smells and tastes.
From then on, my camera became a tool to immortalize everything I held dear. The radiant smile of my mother, the delectable dishes my grandmother prepared, the joyous gatherings around the dining table, the laughter of friends by the fire as meat sizzled on the grill. I captured the beach, the sea, and the fishermen returning with their day’s catch. These photos, which I could revisit each night before sleep, were more than mere memories. They evoked the fragrances, the flavours, and most importantly, the emotions of my childhood.
I soon understood the profound role of visual memories in our lives. They enrich our past with vivid and beautiful experiences. Without them, the world loses a bit of its charm, much like a local café without photos on its wall struggling to sell its ice cream.
Capturing life’s authentic moments ignited a passion within me. After completing my education in graphic design and photography at the University of Stellenbosch, I embarked on my National Service in the SA Navy in 1990. During this tenure, I served as the official photographer on the SAS Drakensberg during a voyage to the Far East.
