Paraffin is a commonly used slow-burning fuel in South Africa. For years the paraffin lamp has been used as a light source.  This photograph is evidence of a contemporary energy shortage,  as a result of inefficient management.

I made this photograph in an old farm house, dark and cold in spite of the harsh summer sun outside. I find this lone lamp intriguing. Perhaps it is the way it is burning almost out of control: the smoke blackening the glass, in turn rendering the flame obsolete. It is the opening image, setting a wary tone for the book.

In the following posts I will introduce photographs from the twist of a knee while exploring the process of making the book.