This is the fifth Collection, following on from a foundation of themed exhibitions curated by the CCDI since 2003. A curator panel has selected 82 pieces by 60 designer-makers from 198 entries, covering ceramics, wirework, beadwork, basket ware, textiles, jewellery, metal ware, wood and upcycled waste.
The Collection reflects many characteristics of place; a wire work of a woman buffeted by the strong South-Easter wind; carved West Coast birds perched on a bundle of Atlantic kelp; a silver ring embedded with a ceramic Newlands brewery bottle top.
The Cape's rich floral and marine life continues to be a source of inspiration: protea-printed fabric adds comfort to a stool; delicate ceramic ware is painted with blooms and leaves; a silver whale lob tails above a translucent sea glass pendant.
The darker underbelly of Cape Town is also reflected: the arts of embroidery, lace and crochet produce a fine metal curtain that also provides a protective screen against intruders. Striking floral wallpaper, on closer inspection, reveals texts that inspired women to endure and recover from domestic violence.
Acrylic and ink works reflect on the impact of colonialists on indigenous populations. Even patchwork cushions, in hues of brown and cream, are inspired by the estrangement of people from their natural surroundings.
Tough economic times and scarce resources have resulted in outstanding items made from found objects: a cooking oil container becomes a sunburst floral fantasy; plastic is transformed into covetable jewellery; a discarded pair of jeans morphs into toys guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of kids of all ages.
"In line with the World Design Capital 2014 slogan of 'Live Design Transform Life', such handmade products show that design can make the world more beautiful," said CCDI communications manager Marjorie Naidoo, who project managed the Collection. "Certainly, with nearly 3 000 enterprises on the CCDI database, representing an estimated 14 695 jobs, it has the power to transform lives."
For more information, go to www.capecraftanddesign.org.za.
