If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

What I like about these art works is that it captures the subtle nuances of present day life and as such save visual images for generations to come!

This initiation scene, the crossing of a mystical line, the walk from boyhood to manhood, the trance and the trauma, the period of life we can all relate to but so seldom express and capture in a visual medium.

The minimal use of technique expose these tender moments, chillingly but all so effectively, telling a story of what was and what awaits the child that is no more!

Transport for the workers classes is a traumatic choice, mostly unaffordable but al so neccassary to reach your place of work. Everyday the worker will reach this crossroad, to spend money on a taxi, money needed for schooling, food, clothes, shelter. The fear of not reaching your destination and not getting paid make him/her pay and at the end of the day fatique will drive most to pay up again … a few will walk … maybe hours … to reach home with a few precious rands more saved for food!

For the privilidged this is just a circle of convenience but for the worker it is a daily crossroad as well, a daily decision of gain or loss!

No Comments »

Sim completed these mugs lately, and what an education it is, with each mug telling a soccer story. This will be a great gift to any soccer mad visitor to South Africa in 2010!

This “corner” kick will deliver a Goal!

And Oh, THE GAME PLAN!, the strategic thinking needed for a winning team.

And the WINNER is….?!

The 2010 Soccer World Cup is stimulating creative juices like never seen before!

3 Comments »

Soccer is BIG, and Sim and Goodman shares the dream, a dream to stand on the podium holding their mugs high! In my eyes these mugs are winners!

The images are of aspiring youth, playfully dreaming the American Dream to become a Superstar! The rhythm and the action are superbly captured by the use of repetition, line and figurative pose.

The blue coffee mug captures the intense anticipation of the opponents next move. The mug next to it is more relaxed … it is only practice time. I like the way Sim divided the surface to place the focus on the players AND the game!

And what do you think of this one? Are these the kids fooling around after the game?

6 Comments »

The Kwasa Kwasa story changed name and will be known as Tsepe Tsepe Designs from now on. Sim and Goodman opened their bank account and will trade as Tsepe Tsepe Design. As soon as they have a more comprehensive body of work together we shall commence with the marketing and branding off their talents!

Here is some exciting examples … and WOW!

Take note of the “landscape we call home”, the city, the townships, the rural areas….!

Hermanus during holiday periods, the road…? a road leading to the Eastern Cape… a place that a young person will only visit during funeral festivals?

The orange splashes represent the sun, a time of day all of us would like to take a break to entertain ourselves with an ice cream. The umbrellas must b, I think, be for the purpose of protecting oneself from the sun!

This last platter, with a very unusual composition is extremely accomplished regarding the layout and pictorial representation of our land SOUTH AFRICA!

Come on, what do you think, do these platters speak to you?

10 Comments »

These functional coffee mugs are made valuable because it captures a historic reference to the society they grew up in. Sim and Goodman proudly present you with these coffee mugs hand painted with humble images from their environment. See it as functional art! It takes 7Hrs to make, consider surface treatment and paint the images on 3 of these mugs. It is labour intensive, and the price will eventually reflect this, considering that their skill and story telling capabilities will improve.

Is there anybody out there that will offer a fair price for these first mugs?

I was in awe seeing these mugs painted after I had given them my first “crit” on the first items that they have painted. The improvement was astonishing and I truly believe that they have the perseverance to develop their talents in this creative business. They have stories to express and I am sure that the demand exists for honest one of a kind works like these. I would like them to consider social comment more intensely, there are so much to express in our society, so many stories we can all relate to.

The importance of Tea Time for the working classes is expressed in the The Tea Time Mug, as an event, it is possibly as important as one’s breakfast to start the day with. For me it is a non event, drinking tea whenever it is presented to me and then often just forgetting it as I rush around as self-employed people tend to do, never allowing the use of Tea Time as an event to revitalize myself.

The pipe with smoke is Gillian’s favourite.

The images are mostly symbolic of past experiences, like; the importance of rain, the value of children, leisure activities of the elders smoking, preparation of food and farming activities.

The mug decorated with the traditional implements, when using oxen, to prepare the earth for planting, is common with the disadvantaged or rural outback black farmers. Using a tractor would have expressed a dream and not the real memory as Goodman has experienced the act of planting.

I am sure that these playful artworks can make Tea Time, the event, a must, 15 minutes to hold, recall and share memories.

1 Comment »

The Kwasa Kwasa story is gaining momentum.

The past 6 weeks were frustrating with Sim and Goodman’s involvement in a mosaic seta craft empowerment project. The mosaic course was another module in which they could acquire more skills. With the possible promise of a cash flow generating mosaic business they were committed to the mosaics AND to the ceramic studio where they have asked me to mentor them in becoming designer businessmen.

With this diluted focus the hope of making a REAL difference really frustrated me.

I am of the opinion that cooperatives with 10 plus individuals dilute decision-making and will seldom provide the critical economic empowerment so desperately desired by these talented individuals. With a lack of income generating sales a mood of despondency quickly sets in and translates to unproductiveness and ultimate failure of the very projects so eagerly participated in to uplift these individuals.

Sim and Goodman experienced the above and this left them with ceramics as the next best option. Luckily I was patient enough to wait while they had to experience the above negative processes.

They have made the commitment to realize their own business and Southern Art Ceramics will mentor and assist them to manage this art business. Below you read the letter from them to inform me of their decision and requests for help.

No Comments »

Sim and Goodman created the products in this post, made from beads and wire during a course that they participated in.

If 40% were deducted from the retail price at which these items got sold, and with material and labour the only components factored into the wholesale price, they would have received approximately R7.00 per hour for the effort expended! Their real labour rate will be far below this, probably as low as R2.00 if other “ghost” input costs are entered into the equation. If the starting salary is R17/hr, these products are already selling at a demoralizing loss.

I estimate that R112.50/hr will be a fair trade-of to lead a secure and contented lifestyle in SA, and this will be the net goal for this venture. They will not be empowered by the production and retailing of these creative products at present price levels.

The task at hand is to design and produce products outside the framework of reference of the consumer. The originality and quality will be of primary importance, and of absolute importance in so far as reaching price points of R1250 and above.

These intro products have to be enhanced and improved and I hope and know that they will rise to the occasion.

4 Comments »

The quest for success.

The RDP, with treasurer Millie Rink and Paul Buckley an English national, provided a small kiln, some funding and a room to establish a studio. They with the help of others are in the process coordinating the establishment of a restaurant, craft shop and guesthouse establishment that can entertain and nourish the inquisitive tourists visiting Hermanus all year round. The work area will be available free of charge as long as the RDP is self-sustainable.

Southern Art Ceramics will assist in providing training regarding the production of high quality ceramic functional wares. In addition we shall provide mentorship in repaying loans, deal making and sales, marketing, savings and most importantly earning a sustainable salary. Standard business principles will be at place, empowering them to run a business for profit. Although the ideal will be for them to draw salary or some form of income from day one, to keep their tummies full and bodies and mind strong.

Southern Art Ceramics is known for the high quality dinnerware that it produced for 15 years, establishing a loyal following. I sincerely hope that my clients will support and actively comment on these blog posts. Our clients know us to be dedicated, passionate and we now that this energy will be alive and well in this new project.

I shall establish the partnership to possibly provide and grow the following needs:

• To train two individuals at present. Two will be the limit as more kilns will be essential to make the project viable for more.
• To provide a selling and marketing structure.
• To provide talented participants, who do wish to work outside the cooperative, with the means or support to be successfully integrated in a modern economy.

The most positive outcome will be if successful and dynamic groups of 4′or 5 individuals can be empowered with each group taking possession of its own strength and talents, thus ensuring a dynamic product reach not competing with each other.

At present the kiln is refurbished and a programmable controller installed. The electrical wiring will be checked and upgraded if necessary. Materials will be collected, drums, and brushes anything that can be of use during the creative process. The production area will be secured and prepared for production.

The cost of production will be calculated pro-actively with the two participants. A business plan will be discussed, researched and finally drawn up to act upon.

Below is Mthetheleli Nomkhila the office administrator and the radiant and all so positive community leader Vuyiswa Pike.

I propose that both the RDP, a registered not for profit entity, and the participants be empowered. The RDP must be able to improve and grow its ability to train talented individuals, and the individuals must be capable to be economically viable and active by themselves.

Any donations of redundant ceramic equipment will be appreciated, and will greatly enhance the capacity to grow this initiative and provide a stable and growing infrastructure for the use of talented individuals.

2 Comments »

An expression of dreams.

A dialogue with Simthembile Sim Gqushuza, staying at 601 Phosisa str. Zwelihle, Hermanus.

I hope that by reading these two posts you will be afforded a window into the life and dreams of these creative individuals. The images are of him in his room and the others of friends staying on the same property.

Sim persisted, still are and I believe that he will be consistent in his drive to become a successful businessman in the creative industries. I wish them both success in this endeavour.

The answers to the following questions are as they have been presented to me.

Where were you born?

I was born in the country of South Africa in the province of eastern cape from the district of Mqanduli in the village Ntlangaza location.My father at that time was working in Klerksdorp in the province of North west. I am his second born of his wife. My father lost his job at my early age it was 1992 and we had to survived by his belongings such as livestock. He then came to the Western Cape where he worked at the construction and at Fynbos.

Schooling?

In 2002 I came to him from the Eastern Cape to go to school where I did Grade 10 and Grade 12 at Qhayiya Secondary School. I didn’t study further because of financial problems, therefore after finishing Grade 12 I started looking for job, though it was not my aim because I was looking forward to futher my studies.

I started to work as a chef at the Restaurant, unfortunately I did not manage because of qualifications. I went to the training which was based to Business Skills. I got the certificate there.

I went to R.D.P. to study course of:

• Craft Production
• Business (NQF 2)
• Life Skills
• HIV/AIDS
• First Aid
• Eye on a child/Community
• Communication skills
• Tendering and
• Exporting

What is important in your life, re. Family, religion,….?

Family: My family is priority number 1. I will be nothing on earth without my family.

Religion: My religion is Faith Apostolic Church.

Friends: I usually choose the friends which we are in same congregational and friends who are hardworkers and honest.

What is your main goal, aim in life, what do you want to become?

My goal is to become a Creative Artist or Designer who will produce unique products. I want buyers to be attracted to my product and keep my website busy at all times searching for new things.

Do you have any dreams or special visions that you would like to share with us?

My dream is to have a good living which means to have everything I need and something I want in life.

Also to make the people in our community to know how to make things for themselves for the living not to depend to some other people.

My dream is to get rid of poor people and see all the people free in our community and to reduce crime and poverty.

Having this opportunity to design, manufacture, sell and learn to run a business, what do expect to learn from this experience, what do you aim to achieve?

I want to become the best designer I can be, and to be recognized by many people countrywide. I also want selling skills and how to run a business.

How will this opportunity benefit you?

This opportunity will benefit me in such a way that people will know me as an Artist or designer, and a Business man as well. I will be able to get what I need for myself and in future for my kids.

Has this creative road delivered any positive results or experiences as yet?

Yes being creative has already brought me positive results in such a way that though I am new to the industry, I already sold some products and the products I am producing are promising. And the ideas that are happening in my mind, and I want to see them coming out.

Is there anything regarding Hermanus, South Africa and its people or Africa and its people, or for that matter the World and its people that you would like to share with us?

I found that here in Hermanus there are people that love art products, I proved from whale festival 2007 in Hermanus, where they bought our products. The other thing is that all the time in Hermanus market square you will find craft products on sale. People around the world are so curious about African designs, that is why I am positive about this business.

Is the environment important to you, do you think that we must treasure and protect it?

Yes we need or must take care of environment, because it gives oxygen that we breathe in. It gives us the best designs to be able to produce art products, which people will love because they reflect nature or environment. There fore we need or must keep it safe all the times, try and find the best we get out of it but not destroy it by any means.

2 Comments »

The answer to a dream.

A dialogue with Goodman Ngalimani, staying at 57 Tsepe Tsepe, Zwelihle.

I hope that by reading these posts you will be afforded a window into the life and dreams of this creative individual. The images are of his mother, nephew and friends in and around there one roomed homes.

Goodman persisted, still are and I believe that he will be consistent in his drive to become a successful creative businessman.

The answers to the following questions are as they have been presented to me.

Where were you born?

I was born in Eastern Cape in rural areas at the district of Mount Fletcher in 1981.

Schooling?

I attend my lower classes at the school called Ngoleloe J.S.S from grade 1 until Grade 6. After that I went to another school because of the long distance I suppose to walk to the school about 10km.

That school was situated along the river which is near us and was called Tinana J.S.S I was schooling there until Grade 11.

What is important in your life, re. Family, religion,…?

Both are very important to me, but my family is number one then the Religion which guide us through our lives.

What is your main goal, aim in life, what do you want to become?

I want to become successful in life and business industry, and make sure that in 2 years time the business will be in another level especially in 2010 World Cup that will take us in another level.

Do you have any dreams or special visions that you would like to share with us?

Is to see our business from this level to that level, and supplying all over the country. To see myself as a boss on his own.

Having this opportunity to design, manufacture, sell and learn to run a business, what do expect to learn from this experience, what do you aim to achieve?

I would like to say as you are helping us keep as under your hand so that we can always get guidance.

How will this opportunity benefit you?

I have this opportunity it’s unbelievable to have the people that are willing to help us and it’s amazing.

To be honest you are truly care about other people and that makes me proud of you and I can say keep on with your humanity gift.

I am expecting to work very hard to achieve my goals. This opportunity will benefit us only if we are work very hard we put our effort in this business and we follow the rules.

Has this creative road delivered any positive results or experiences as yet?

Yes its delivered the positive results because I can see that you really want to help us with all your best and I also promise that we will follow your rules that you give us. On my side I experience that you are very open and you also want the people that are the same.

Is there anything regarding Hermanus, South Africa and its people or Africa and its people, or for that matter the World and its people that you would like to share with us?

For the matter of fact we must go to the Red Door so that we can get some information to get funding from the government.

Is the environment important to you, do you think that we must treasure and protect it?

The environment is very important we must treasure and protect.

No Comments »