Fred Mutebi
Using a flat surface of wood and engraving or cutting out lines, Ugandan master woodcutter and printmaker, Fred Mutebi tells stories that document important events in Ugandan life, as well as going out into the community to observe and record day-to-day life. Fred's colourful, intricate woodcarvings are laden with parables and metaphors and subject matter also extends to wider social issues having an effect across the African continent.

Fred began printmaking whilst a student at Makerere University in Uganda between 1990-1993 and so began a career experimenting with block printing. It was during this time the Fred noticed that there was a gap for practicing Ugandan printmakers and sought to fill the gap, and is today an internationally acclaimed artist, whose work has been included in exhibitions in Africa, Europe, Asia and America.

A social activist and environmentalist, Fred sees art as a vehicle to 'educate the present and the future' generations, by opening up dialogue round the issues that affect our lives. Through his work Fred aims to elicit an emotional connection with the viewer, as well as offering a source of inspiration for example helping towards ways of overcoming the problems that one may be struggling with. Using art as a tool to empower people to explore and talk about the challenges facing their communities, Fred set up Let Art Talk, an organisation that helps open up the dialogue on issues such as poverty, child labour and gender by engaging the mainly young people he works with in interpreting the subjects through art. Fred is also aware of the need to involve the elders within the communities, getting them to share their wisdom and experiences, and together work towards affecting positive change. Committed to the success of the organisation fifty percent of the proceeds from a sale of Fred's artwork goes into the Let Art Talk organisation to help set up a programme, buy materials or fund a trip.

Recognising how art can connect and impact people, regardless of who you are, Fred is continually seeking ways to bridge the gap between the underprivileged and the affluent. 
  

World Cup 2010 Posters
Granted the World Cup 2010 held in South Africa has long since come and gone, but while searching online for African patterns for a project I am working on I followed a link to some amazing digital artwork posters, showcased on the website Specky Boy, that were created to celebrate the event and pay homage to elements of African cultures and traditions. Although I am not a footie fan, I did catch some of the action on the pitch, especially when it came to charting the progress of African teams. The series of posters was an experimental personal project by Greek illustrator and visual designer, Charis Tsevis who was inspired by the heritage of African patterns and contemporary football culture. The project enabled Charis to explore the diversity in African culture, traditions and history; a virtual journey which is ongoing. Featuring some of the Continent's; and in some cases the world's greatest football stars; motifs, iconic African symbols, national flags and traditional fabrics are just some of the elements brought together to form the overall visuals. The level of detail is incredible, I can imagine that every time you looked at one you would discover something new; and the contrasting colours and different patterns help convey the excitement that surrounded the event, in addition to a vibrant and energetic Continent, one with a long held passion for the 'beautiful game'.

These posters transcend the period of the event for which they were created, and would make a wonderful gift for die hard football fans; and would work well in interior spaces, blown up to a large-scale and mounted in a beautiful complementary frame. Viewed from afar the artwork resembles woven fabrics, akin to tapestries. Visit Charis’s Flickr page to see more subjects. 

Serena & Lily
Having spotted some distinctive African inspired fabrics featuring bold graphic patterns, on many a pinterest board, I was wondering where exactly they came from, so you can imagine my delight when I stumbled across them on Serena & Lily, a US interiors decor company. I adore the prints, they are so chic in some gorgeous colourways that are perfect for interior styling. As I thought when I fist saw them, the fabrics are inspired by traditional African fabrics, and Serena & Lily have reworked the patterns to give a contemporary update. The Kuba fabric design, was inspired by the iconic Congolese Kuba Cloth textiles, and is available in four contemporary shades with names like 'bark' and 'orchid'. The Lattice fabric design was inspired by an African textile found on a scouting trip. The designs are printed on 100% cotton canvas and can be purchased as fabric by the yard, or as ready made cushion covers. For added sparkle and shine, Serena & Lily have modernised the Kuba design further by incorporating hand sewn sequins to bring a glamourous touch to your interior.

Based in California, Serena & Lily was founded in 2003 by; Serena a textile designer and artist, and Lily a 'Microsoft-refugee-turned-entrepreneur'. The duo sought to blend the iconic West Coast lifestyle with inspiration from the world around and the result is a treasure trove of beautiful stylish interior products made in the USA or sourced from travels around the globe.
 

Solomon Appollo
Whilst browsing the online fashion accessories site Boticca, I came across a feature on London based luxury handbag and fashion accessories label, Solomon Appollo who have a gorgeous, colourful range of ‘hard to choose one’ clutch bags. Designed by Ozie Amadi, a graphic designer turned fashion accessories designer who was born and raised in East London; Solomon Appollo is all about cute and convenient stylishness. Solomon Appollo combines Ozie’s European upbringing and her Nigerian culture and heritage, factors, which are a major influence on her design aesthetic. Citing her mother and her aunts as particular influences, as she accompanied them on fabric buying trips and trips to the seamstress, Ozie also recalls childhood memories where her heritage would be expressed through music, fashion and food, brightly coloured fabrics and patterns, intricate embroidery and elaborate headwear. Ozie also draws inspiration from London’s vibrant multicultural society. However, it was a bad experience with a bag that led Ozie to explore the possibilities of designing her own range, and saw a return to University to gain the skills she needed to achieve her dream. In addition to retraining, Ozie spent two years developing the designs and travelling around Europe, sourcing suppliers for her production needs.

The name Solomon Appollo is rather unique and has been in Ozie’s family for nearly two decades, having previously been owned by her brother who had an urban streetwear label, which he closed in 1998. Ozie decided to claimed the name, giving it a new lease of life. The Solomon Appollo range includes mini satchels and cute envelop clutches, made with high quality leathers, soft suede’s and pony skin, complemented with fabrics like Kente, Ankara and the ever-popular wax cloth, which is used either on the handbag’s outer or as colourful lining in the inner. Shiny hardware in the form chain straps, clasps and playful detailing like the tassels seen on the Temple Pillar clutch bags complete the look.

Tsakani
Silk is pure natural protein, gentle on the skin, naturally biodegradable; and because insects do not like to eat silk, does not house dust mites; making it an ideal fabric for those, who like me, suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma. Sericulture, which is the growing of silk, needs to take place in a chemical free and natural environment, and is a practice supported by pioneering South African silk product developing company, Tsakani. Situated in New Forest, on the border of Mpumalanga Province, Tsakani started life as a government silk project before being privatised in 1994. In recent years, concerns have been raised over harmful silk production methods; and Tsakani is a company committed to sustainable silk harvesting. Tsakani develops and promotes a range of luxurious natural organic African silk products, including bedding and linens, silk filled duvets, cushions and soft furnishings, clothing and personal accessories, that are made using both natural and cultivated silks. Tsakani’s handcrafted Wild African silk is derived from a local species of wild moth.

Tsakani’s hand woven silks are different in look and texture to the more widely known traditional Eastern silks. The silk yarns are hand spun; with one spinner producing approximately five kilograms of silk yarn a month. The silks are hand dyed on a small scale, resulting in each batch of colour differing from the next, giving rise to unique and beautifully-hued collections. I do like the softness and lightness of silk, and the colours created by Tsakani's make for some tempting products indeed.

Maji Umbrellas
Living in the UK with its unpredictable weather, it goes without saying having an umbrella is a necessity and it is easy to through many in quick succession in the course of a year, hoping each new purchase will serve its purpose of keeping you dry and be not blown away when confronted with a bit of wind. Inevitably there are many styles to choose from, and the latest entry in the market is Maji Umbrellas whose ethos is to create sturdy, stylish umbrellas that do more than just keep you dry.

Maji Umbrellas was founded by Canadian/Somali model and activist, Ubah Hassan, and Dr Eric Dessner; and was the response to a need to find a way to fund sustainable solutions to the problems of water supply affecting the Horn of Africa, and other parts of the world stricken by drought. Maji means water in Swahili, and sales of Maji Umbrellas help towards providing sources of clean water to affected communities throughout the region. Through a partnership with Oxfam America, purchasing a Maji umbrella results in a day's clean water supply to 20 people. The impact of access to clean water and supply is a personal one for Ubah, who left a war torn Somalia at the age of seven with her family, and acutely remembers the challenges they faced in getting water and knows firsthand what it is like to be thirsty.

Featuring a windproof locking system, easy grip wooden handle, black wooden shaft, push button opening and a stylish two-tone display, there are currently two styles to choose from; the Moonshade umbrella whose silver black colours were chosen to represent the brilliant, silver glow of the moon on clear night in the Saharan sky; and the Blue Sahara umbrella which features a navy blue exterior and a golden interior chosen to highlight the importance of water in arid, desert environments.

Adrère Amellal
No electricity meaning no lights, no TV and definitely no sockets to charge your phone/laptop/iPod or other media devices, Egyptian luxury eco-lodge Adrère Amellal is the ultimate get-a-way from it all; an enchanting place that blends into the spectacular setting of a desert oasis.

An eight hour drive from Cairo, Adrère Amellal emerges out of the desert landscapes of Siwa, Egypt's largest oasis, which is home to natural hot springs, date palm plantations, salt lakes ancient ruins; and has a strong Berber culture. Adrère Amellal means 'white mountain' in the local Berber dialect and signifies the Lodge's location at the base of a white sandstone mountain. Built into the side of the mountain using mud and salt bricks, Adrère Amellal is a sprawling complex, whose shuttered windows overlook the shimmering salt lake, Lake Siwa. Not unlike an ancient biblical town, an aerial view looks like the Lodge has been carved out of the landscape.

Based on the concept of connecting nature and heritage, Adrère Amellal was created by Egyptian environmentalist, Dr Mounir Neamatalla, and is part of a local sustainable development plan, that supports initiatives such as creating sustainable livelihoods and enabling positive conservation efforts within the local area. The construction of the Lodge utilised traditional construction techniques and made use of natural materials. In addition to the mud and salt bricks, palm wood was used, whilst date palms form the roofing. The construction is designed to enable natural ventilation, and a natural spring supplies water to the Lodge and also feeds a swimming pool that is located in the tranquil setting of a palm grove. Handcrafted by local artisans, doors and furniture are made from olive wood.

The Lodge comprises forty private rooms each different from the other, they vary in size allocated according to the number of guests staying. Some have balconies or roof terraces that come with beds for those wishing to sleep under the stars. Furnishings are simple, yet comfortable; linen sheets on the beds, cushion covered seating areas carved into the walls and the stone floors are covered with locally woven Berber rugs. Guests are encouraged to explore and the Lodge features many nooks and crannies in the form of open courtyards and sun drenched roof terraces.

A mix of Egyptian and some western dishes, meals are feasts taken in different places, one night atop a roof terrace, the next in an open courtyard. Food is either local or homemade using ingredients from the Lodge's own organic farm. Breakfast is taken by the lake, and lunch by the shade of the palm trees surrounding the pool. Afternoons bring trips into the desert, and at night the sense of mystery is heightened with the lighting of hundreds of lanterns and candles made from beeswax, placed to light your way around the Lodge. 

In the stillness of the desert, the ultimate luxury comes from spending time in a place that allows you to just be.