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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: FOR THE LOVE OF LIGHT: THE OWL HOUSE, A VISUAL JOURNEY
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. With immense appreciation, I acknowledge every individual who contributed
their time, expertise, and unwavering dedication to making this book a reality.
Merwelene van der Merwe, your tireless commitment and countless hours spent working side by side, often through late nights and weekends, have been extraordinary. Your passion
for this project has shone brightly throughout.
To Mimi and Susan, your flexibility and enthusiasm, even in the face of format changes, were instrumental in shaping this book into its final form. Your unwavering dedication is
deeply appreciated. Heinz Bawa, your invaluable assistance in refining the layout of this book, even through multiple iterations, has been indispensable. Your expertise ensured that
the result was press-ready; I am immensely grateful for that.
Our esteemed writers, Wilhelm van Rensburg, Daniel van der Merwe, Melvyn Minnaar, Mimi Greyling, and Susan Greyling, your unique perspectives and insightful contributions have
woven a rich tapestry of text that beautifully complements the visual journey within these pages. A big thank you goes to Athol Fugard for his contribution: his play, The Road to
Mecca, still opens Helen’s World.
Albi and Fulvio, your generosity in opening the doors of De Oude Pastorie, your gracious guesthouse, was instrumental in making this project a reality. Your support did not go unnoticed,
whether it was providing sustenance, assisting with equipment, or braving late nights under the frosty moon for the perfect shot.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated staff at the office of the Owl House: Venique Barendse, Bernadette Barendse, Angela Goliath, Michelle Jacobs, Michaela Jacobs,
Amanda Snyman, and Charles Graham for accommodating our unconventional requests and helping us in various ways to capture the essence of this project. Kim Shaw and Hazel
Cuthbertson – having your eagle eyes on the book has been invaluable.
I extend my deepest gratitude to my husband, who has stood by me throughout the creative chaos and accepted my idiosyncrasies with unwavering support.
Lastly, I want to thank the Owl House Foundation for entrusting me with this project. May the countless little crystals of glass that Helen so lovingly adorned reflect a sliver of Light
to all who have been a part of this remarkable journey.
With warm regards and appreciation,
Elzilda Becker
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