water can

saw these awesome water cans on one of the boats on the Birmingham canals very lovely stuff, shame i didn't get to see the owner of these beautiful things

6 Bottles.

6 Bottles.....bought this old sideboard and wasn't too sure how I was going to transform it but after a conversation with a friend where we laughed and joked about the vinyl or plastic table cloths that you see in taverns or shebeens in South Africa.These table cloths are usually printed with images of the local beer brands.I wanted to create something reminiscent of that, I guess it was feelings of nostalgia that prompted this project.

Artlantique. made in Africa

The fishermen from the West coast of Africa decorate their boats with gaily coloured geometric designs. Once the fishermen return to the beach after the days fishing, the boats, seen from a distance form an extensive colourful mosaic. Attracted by the beauty of this scene, we asked ourselves if after their long, ocean going life, the wood could be in good enough condition to begin a new life. To be reincarnated into furniture. For the Africans the concept of recycling is a life style not a fashion. The question was if the wood after being a sea going vessel would radiate the same energy and preserve the history of the fishermen.

One thing that stands out to me the most is that yes for Africans upcycling was indeed just a way to proplong the life of a particluar object for example old  tomatoes crate boxes being used as seating, disused ice cream containers finding themselves being used for storage, Many things are given a second leases on life but without "art" in mind, but now that innovation is being infused with art and the outcome is what you see here. 


Check out the rest of these works on http://www.artlantique.com/the-process.htm

Finders Keepers

So on my way back from a mates place, I decide to walk home, ( Mind you  Sunday train service in Yorkshire is quite slow  and the next train is like in an hours time!!!! Uffff!!!!). Anyhow  I am really amazed at what people throw away .I found these wonderful chairs in a skip on my way home!!!!!. I have some major plans for these chairs...I cant wait to get started......

up-cycled.

Im a big fan of up-cycled stuff, these two pieces (again on etsy,recycledartco) the funky use of the old license plates
is super cool, most of whats used for both pieces is old. recycled or stuff you'd find in garage sales, after having seen this makes me want to dig up old bits and bobs from my basement and get busy.

Reclaimed Beadboard Adirondack Chair Outdoor Furniture

Amazing what you can do with old wood, this i came across on the etsy website, which is home to most things i love (these particular chairs youl find under shopoliviacharles) they do great stuff very unique using ofcourse these awesome colours,they use one-of-a-kind materials to construct  the chairs which makes them extra cool.

After the rainy season

Ive been quite fascinated by the Wodaabe-fula people, purely because of this ceremony where the men are the starts of the day..or rather the beauties for the day, they all get dolled up in the incredible beads and colourful make-up, they dance and attempt at charming the female judges. The prettiest man gets the girl at the end of the day...an for one night extravaganza you can guess what happens.....! its just an amazing ceremony,one of which i shall work very very hard to work towards seeing...

The Pastels.

had a sudden feel for messing around with some pastels that were lying around...want to set myself a challenge of creating a very very very large piece after my attempt at these.

Desiderata.

 Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann,

Aint no stopping Sister Nancy.

Carnival time,colourful people..its all love.

Esther

like a shotgun effect of pure creativity, Esther Mhlangu's work is truely inspirational. Now with the Ndebele people its common to see the beautiful traditional paintings on the houses or the intricate bead work of colours.....Now that im used to but when she took it to the next level of using the paintings on objects we not quite used to seeing ie; the BMW...now that just blows my mind. some more interesting African artists can be found on http://www.caacart.com/caacart-artists.php

all my peoples

all the people that inspire living in colour.....im sure some will dispute their depictions regardless of my efforts to convince them that this is purely based on their weired and wonderful characters.........