With another year drawing to a close and the festive season upon us I am so tired and have begun to mentally shut down. The last quarter has been a really busy one hence the erratic weekly postings, which I apologise for. Time for a break, and some rejuvenation! I will not be posting between now and the other side of the New Year, so want to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous start to the the New Year, hoping you will be surrounded by the love of family and friends during the holiday season.

Take care and see you next year!

Mario Gerth - African Portraits
It goes without saying that artists and photographers alike have always been fascinated by the human form, and I often wonder about the nameless faces captured by camera and displayed for the world to see. I must admit it sometimes unsettles me slightly, wondering do they know they will be on some form of display, their likeness forever preserved in the pages of a book or as a mounted image hung on the wall. My mind is full of questions... who are they, what are their day to day lives like, their hopes and dreams? But at the same time I can't help but be drawn to images portrayed, fascinated by the diversity of what defines human life and beauty, and when I came across the subjects depicted in Dutch photographer, Mario Gerth's African Portraits collection, I mean wow... what can I say, I had to pause… my goodness the word beautiful doesn't seem to be enough to describe them but that is what they are; portraits capturing the grace and beauty of African people resplendent in tribal dress in what is a sensitive study of the culture and diversity to be found across the continent. Developed in black and white, sepia and colour I saw the striking images profiled on African Digital Art, and having only chosen a few, I would encourage you to click on the links in additional details below to see the rest.   

Aside from the natural physical beauty, dignity and grace, it is the eyes that I keep focusing on, the subjects looking straight into the camera as if knowing they are being watched and daring the viewer to really look at them, to look past the usual stereotypes and see them for who they are, dignified, creative, strong, individual and rich in culture.

…simply stunning

Ethiopia with Wild Frontiers
Often receiving more than its fair share of negative press, means for far too many holiday seekers Ethiopia doesn't immediately spring to mind as an ideal holiday destination, but this year I have read about more and more people choosing it as their holiday destination of choice as they search for a more meaningful way to spend their vacation time. Wild Frontiers is a pioneering, award winning travel company that specialises in taking small groups of it's discerning clientele to places that don't tend to be part of the popular tourist trails and return offering them a unique experience, and one of the places on its itinerary is Ethiopia. Inviting potential travellers to look beyond the usual headlines of a no go area defined by famine and poverty, Wild Frontiers acknowledges a country of dramatic landscapes from flat topped mountains to cascading waterfalls and one that is overflowing with culture. With tours scheduled periodically through to 2013, itineraries can see guests: take a languid boat trip on Lake Tana taking in hippos basking on the banks of the lake and pink flamingoes as you make your way across; or explore the well preserved castles of Gondor that date back to the 17th century Ethiopia is a country brimming with ancient monasteries, castles and churches hewn out of the surrounding rock; or trek through the spectacular Highlands offering some stunning panoramic views whilst visiting villages along the way; and when you’ve had your fill of sightseeing pass through the bustling daily markets to pick up some reminders of your trip and later unwind to jazz fusion sounds in a jazz bar in Addis Ababa. 

Founded in 2002 by Jonny Bealby a travel writer who wanted others to have the opportunity to experience some of those he enjoyed as a writer, Wild Frontiers is first and foremost a company set up by 'travellers for travellers', gathering like- minded people to work in a company that upholds the values of responsible tourism. Taking guests of the beaten track into often inaccessible, yet incredible places, the team at Wild Frontiers draw on an extensive list of contacts to make this happen ensuring the safety and comfort of their travelers; to help you decide there is a handy guide next to each excursion denoting the level of factors like physical challenge, comfort and cultural experience. Wild Frontiers is small and personalised and looking to remain that way.

…, embark on a voyage of discovery to Ethiopia with Wild Frontiers 

Ndau Collection
I have a thing for peacock feathers; must be the vivid colours, so instantly honed in on the Peacock Feather and Silver Cuff from the Ndau Collection, a collective of jewellery and accessory designers based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. I would like to wear it round my neck, just image the effect when paired with an LDB not necessarily in black though, I'm thinking fuchsia or teal blue... Growing up in Harare, the city and indeed much of the major tourist areas of the country were full of shops showcasing the arts and crafts of artisans and designers across the country and hoping to entice the tourist trade, the Victoria Falls being no exception. Visitors to this part of the country are often in search of their own African adventure and The Ndau Collection embodies the spirit of the intrepid explorer, I can't help but think of Indiana Jones, something to do with the lost and found treasure feel that surrounds the products I guess! The site is a treasure trove of jewellery, bags, belts and other accessories; highly eclectic creations offering something to suit a range of tastes.

The Ndau Collection includes jewellery made from objects dating back several decades, as well as recycling and repurposing materials like vintage stones, bones, shell, wood, vintage trade beads and ostrich eggs to create something new whilst being steeped in history with a sense of place. The jewellery creation techniques used include the Lost Wax process for casting the silver pieces that are then combined with leathers, beads- precious and semi-precious, feathers, horn and driftwood in addition to the other materials described above. Ultimately these are unique pieces seemingly inspired by the shape and form materials. The Ndau collection also uses exotic leathers that come from legal sources.

The Ndau Collection comprises the talents of designers Christie Halsted, Kelly Landrey, Gail Van Jaarsveldt, Christie Brookstein, Devon Stewart, Tato Louidizis all of whom grew up in Africa, with several of the designers having travelled around the continent and all continually draw inspiration from their experiences and surroundings. The Ndau workshop workshop is situated in the Elephants Walk Shopping complex close to the mighty Zambezi, Victoria Falls and National Parks. 

If visiting the area, the Ndau Collection and recently launched Crystal Passion range are available through the Ammonite Gallery the retail arm of the Ndau Collection and is located in the same complex. A select range of products can also be found on Etsy.  

...the Ndau collection, celebrating the spirit of discovery that makes the coninent such an exciting place

Mukukumarata by Mark Hilltout
'Mukuku' is the Zulu (South Africa) word for 'shack'; and 'Marata' is a Shona (Zimbabwe) word that refers to bits of rusty scrap metal- think of corrugated tin sheets used for roofing on a simple structure and you get the idea. Cobbled together the two words form 'Mukukumarata' and are the inspiration behind a highly unique range of platters and bowls for use in and around the home. 

Taking the unwanted scraps that have been collected from the townships of South Africa, Mukukumarata was created by former graphic design professional Mark Hilltout who works from his workshop/studio based in 
Woodstock, Cape Town. Taking about a day to complete items, Mark works to reveal the beauty within the scrap metals weaving them together to form the structure of the innovative vessels. The distinctive haphazard, patch work effect comes from combining silver scraps with an array of earthy natural colours that gain their colour through the process of burnishing the metal. Mukukumarata products can be customised to specific finishes and 
sizes and customers are invited to visit the studio so see the different products ranges for themselves.

...from unwanted to rustic works of art...

Tiffany Amber
Shimmer and shine your way through the festive season with this gorgeous dress from Tiffany Amber, currently available on fashion boutique My Asho.

Letting fluid silk fabric drape sensually round the body, gathering into an elegant twist at the front and available in a range of stunning jewel tones, just in time for all those New Year parties, the Lily Twist dress defines effortless elegance and reminds me of a very sophisticated take on the traditional African practice of wrapping a piece of fabric round the body and knotting at the waist.

...I'll have one in every colour!

Thea Skincare
Named after the Greek goddess of natural beauty, Thea Skincare is a luxurious range of products designed to feed your skin with the best pure, nutrient rich and active natural ingredients Mother Nature has to offer. Thea Skincare was founded by Althea, who coming from a background in the cosmetics industry developed a range of ethno-botanical skincare products that work to soothe, nourish and hydrate skin naturally and were inspired by a visit to Malawi and the natural, effortless beauty of Malawian women of all ages, in particular the texture and tone of their skin. During her time in the country Althea spent some time living in one of the local village and it was here that she became attuned to the soothing and healing powers of nature and the elements and took the time to learn about and experiment with blending balms, creams and oils using the naturally sourced ingredients growing in abundance.

Adding to her experiences in Malawi, Althea has used her travels as a means of learning and observing centuries old tried and tested methods of plant based natural skincare regimes used by indigenous communities the world over. After returning to her home in the UK Althea developed and introduced her organic, natural range of skincare products targeting skin types of all ages and ethnicities. Products include; anti ageing and skin brightening solutions; as well as mother’s and babies, teenage and men’s ranges. To help you find the products right for your skin type a handy online ‘skincare clinic' function is available on the website. Certified vegan friendly, Thea Skincare products are not tested on animals and are paraben free, containing no artificial fragrances and ingredients. A comprehensive list of the ingredients used and their potential benefits can be found here.

…presented in simple, yet stylish packaging Thea Skincare is a celebration of enhancing beauty the natural way

Emily Lamb
I recently read a report stating that the Western Black Rhino is now extinct in West Africa and that the last known Java Rhino is also believed to be extinct; shocking and so sad to think about. Despite unsettling headlines like this concerted conservation efforts in other areas has seen endangered species start to pick up in numbers, but for this to happen it takes factors like time, dedication, education, community and off course funds! Yes, there is more to Africa than safari; but how marvellous the variety of wildlife the continent is blessed with, and I can't help but be thankful for having the privilege of seeing some of these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat, an experience that others can only dream about. Going on a game drive is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, and recalling my experiences is what connected me to the work of UK-based artist Emily Lamb. I was introduced to Emily's work through a colleague, during a recent freelance job, who mentioned she was going to the private viewing of a young artist; the daughter of a family friend and showed me some images. The vivid colours and emotive content grabbed me instantly...a lot of love and passion has gone into each piece

Inspired by Africa and India, places Emily travels to regularly capturing everyday people and wildlife as references to create her paintings, her latest exhibition was entitled 'African Spring/Indian Summer', a celebration of the diverse life and nature that both regions have to offer, as well as helping to raise awareness of various wildlife conservation efforts. Emily Lamb is the granddaughter of renowned wildlife painter and wildlife campaigner David Shepherd, following him into a career as an artist, an obsession that began at an early age and in a true family affair Emily has exhibited alongside her grandfather, and aunt Mandy. Emily regularly helps to raise funds for her grandfather's charity; The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, by participating in charity exhibitions and auctions, and the funds raised go towards saving elephant, rhino and tigers; often the subjects her work.

The figures portrayed depict young Maasai shepherds and warriors, dignified and regal in their colourful traditional dress and off course the wildlife in the beauty of their natural surroundings. Working in mixed media, images are often juxtaposed against traditional patterns and vivid backgrounds. This is a style of painting I like; the transparency of the colours, the way they flow into each other whilst still keeping their intensity, the resulting layering effect creates depth and motion, giving a sense of elegance and serenity like you are observing scenes unfolding before you from a distance. 

...beautifully capturing the fleeting wonders of life and nature 

Amsale Aberra
If you spent most of your days working with the various shades of a single colour; in this case white and ivory, you could forgive one for assuming that it would be natural to leap at the chance of introducing a splash of colour into other areas of your life, be it dress or living space. Not a theory to be applied to Amsale Aberra, the Ethiopian designer of exquisite bridal gowns, whose New York loft is a free flowing space defined by a monochromatic colour palette that is predominately white; the bridal influence perhaps... Located on the eleventh floor of an industrial building in New York's Garment District, Amsale began creating her coveted range wedding gowns out of the loft and I guess the inspiration remained behind when the business eventually relocated to a showroom close by.

Amsale called upon Vicente Wolf, the renowned interior designer who just happened to be her neighbour, to help design the interior. Vicente Wolf is known for his stylish interior designs inspired by art and design from around the world, and filling his showroom with unique objects from Europe, Africa and Asia. Although helping to create a sense of light and airiness as the open spaces of the loft flow seamlessly into each other, the colour white has the potential to come across as harsh and clinical, however Amsale and Vicente have sought to break up the stark white walls and concrete floors with shades of grey ranging from ‘barely there’ mist to hints of solid black lines along with neutral creams and off white tones. Together this has the effect of softening up the edge, bringing a sense of calm and elegance into the space. The detailing seen in strategically place objects reflect the detailing that go into her creations.

I personally prefer to be surrounded by colour but fully appreciate the stunning effect a monochromatic scheme can have and Amsale's home is a beautiful example of how to make it work. Her home doesn't come across as cold to me but instead quite harmonious, balanced by the colour opposites and tonal ranges, rather like shading in pencil drawings to add light and dark to give the feeling of depth.

...very chic, but must take a lot of effort to keep clean!

Additional information sourced from:
kikette-interiors.blogspot.com