Stephen Embleton

In 2003 I got to see the Hollywood machine in action and got to personally work with (the formidable) Wolf Kroeger (Production Designer of "The Last of the Mohicans", "First Blood", "Equilibrium", "Reign of Fire" etc). I learned so much from Wolf, particularly the fickle nature of the business and standing your ground in your artistic vision. This was for the 2005 Warner Bros film  "Racing Stripes" out on location for 6 months in the KZN midlands. I did the design and illustration on the circus convoy (hardly visible in a storm sequence) at the beginning of the film – a simple airbrush style – as well as other elements in the film, including the racetrack branding, signage and posters. At first we started a P. T. Barnum style to the circus artwork, but Wolf was inspired by Cirque du Soleil and we pivoted to a slicker look. I got to visit the sets, see the machine of filming on a massive scale as well as seeing my artwork on the vehicl...

 Me 29–6–2003 Faced with myself, I like what I see. It doesn’t matter what I seem like to thee. I am who I am. The best I can be. I cannot be you. I have to be me.                                             – Stephen Embleton

Hearts Afire To Riley – Valentine’s Day 2003 Hearts afire, hearts aflame. I burn inside when I hear your name. The heat of the sun doesn’t come close, I wish each day I could give you a rose. The flame, the heat, the burning golden light, And still a chill I get when you are in sight. Roses are red, flames burn hot. Any more words, I have not.  

 Missing To Mom 23–12–2002 As a father I’ve come to know That kids are precious things. And although we want to watch them grow To see what life them brings, We cannot always be there to see, To share and to protect. So God gave us that special gift That now ‘n again we collect. He calls it something just off target When you try to give a clout. It’s something dainty like a teacher But one that doesn’t shout. He calls it “Miss” ‘cause you thought of something That seeing would make a “Hit”, So when you think of something dear, That feeling sinks in a bit. Missing someone lets you know There’s someone that you love. Someone who you want to share Each moment sent from above. But all you can do is miss them more And tell them when you do. ‘Cause how precious is that love together When someone misses you. So onward up this mountain-side each and every day I climb in a body that you gave to me to feel how I miss you all the time.

Mothers To Mom 11–05–2002 Mothers are mothers for more than one reason, Mothers are mothers for more than one season. A season of laughter, a lifetime of love. All our moments together are sent from above.  Mothers are special and, in our lives, have a place. We remember their voice and their touch on our face. Soft and tender and loving and dear, They speak to us in words that make life so clear. No matter how wise and old we may get, They remind us of the child inside that we forget.  In our hearts they remain forever and always For they touch our lives in so many ways. One day a bird in a film said to me, “Stephen, ‘Mother’ is the word for God on the lips and hearts of all children”.

All Along The Beaches 02-04-2002 On the sand a young man sits But blink and he is old. For one day when you read these words Your story too is told. And so he sits and ponders so, The things before his eyes: The sea, the sky, the clouds and air All things he’s to surmise. The golden glow of the sun at dawn Dives deeply in his eyes. A gull in silhouette he sees That close to the water flies. And there he sits, hands and heels dug in Waiting for the tide. The moon has told him it will come And on it he must ride. And as a wave does rise and fall The foam his skin does seek. He silently turns, to look behind, To take just one last peek. Toes go cold, his chest breathes in, He recognises faces. All those from his life are there. All from familiar places. Too far away on the land they play, Out in the farthest reaches. But then they smile and wave to him From… all along the beaches.

 What If My Soul… 10-10-2001 What if my Soul is ready to go? What if its time is now? What if it’s done what it’s had to do, And answered if when why & how? Will it go when I sleep or when I’m awake? And will it go at all? ‘Cos what if it’s waiting for my body to act… To intentionally stumble and fall? So the jokes on my Soul, it’ll just have to wait, ‘Cos I don’t think I’m quite ready yet. But we’ll see who laughs last (my Body or Soul). Check with my mind…it’s taking the bets.

 I Saw The World Today (Poem) 2001     Did you see the world today? Did you marvel at its splendour?        Did you take to flight, up to that great, bright light, On wings so strong and slender?        On your way up, did you look back down, And see something vast and grand?        Did you remember your days, long forgotten ways, When time was written in the sand?        And from high above, as high as a dove Did you pause and see… The world has a heart, an imperfect heart, That’s perfect, just like me?