The month of August marks a few significant events. It is
the month when OppiKoppi and Decorex Johannesburg takes place; it is also
Women’s Day on the 9th. Funnily enough all three these events tend
to happen in the same week and in this year’s case all three were on the same
weekend. Although I did not attend OppiKoppi, or the celebrations at the Union
Buildings for Woman’s Day, I did attend Decorex.
For anybody that is in a design field, Decorex is an event
that is a must-see every year. Mostly it is a tradeshow for interiors; the
information gathered on design trends and colour schemes is always useful. One
can also network and mingle with other designers and find useful contacts and
suppliers. Another very significant part of this year’s show was the 100% Design, a showcase of new ideas and
fresh cutting-edge design. The public could also attend talks by the artists
and designers taking part.
As a crafter I always head for, well, the craft section.
Floorboards, kitchen appliances and shower heads are things that I will pay
attention to when I grow up and have my own house to renovate. The Department
of Trade and Industry sponsors selected crafters from each of the nine
provinces in South Africa to exhibit their work, giving them a good platform to
market their work, which is often connected with a community project. Seeing
the amazing contemporary crafts that these artists produce is awe inspiring,
yet the crafts never lose their South African flair.
Apart from this section and that as a crafter it is always
both refreshing and relaxing to see other artists and designers excel at their
craft I had another motive for going. I went to see my own work on display.
Earlier this year I was given the opportunity by Marileen van Wyk to send
scatter pillows to Decorex with her company, The Glass Forming Academy. It
might seem a bit strange; obviously the scatter pillows are not glass. They are
in fact pure cotton that I dye, embellish and sew by hand. Along with my dyed
work, there was ceramic pieces, printed canvases and an array of quaint glass
beads, key rings and teaspoons.
Negative heart pillow by Clara Jansen
Black Geometric pillow by Clara Jansen
Purple split pillow by Clara Jansen
Not knowing what to expect in terms of feedback from Decorex
I am quite nervous to hear how it went. When I visited there was not really
time to talk. I am truly grateful for the opportunity given to me and fellow
designers and artist by the Glass Forming Academy to be able to showcase our
products at Decorex. Please visit their website www.glassforming.co.za.
Peace and love
Clara
No comments:
Post a Comment