Altaf Kramer was born 28th November 1946 in Amsterdam. Beginning his Studies at the free academy Psychopolis in The Hague during the mid seventies. Altaf's work continues to evolve as he explores the use of colour, abstract forms and symbolism to create works of true beauty and emotion. Altaf's work is part of the private collection in the Museum of Modern Art in Amsterdam. Every sunday he can be found at the art market at the Spui in Amsterdam. (view Altaf's work)
At the helm of her farm, Bessie Visser is the driving force behind the adila mohair products. During the past 25 years, Bessie has raised her family alongside those of her farm workers, a community now on it's third generation. Part of farm life involves the production of Bessie's luxury mohair wraps and comforters. Every product is hand dyed and woven on traditional wooden looms, using skills passed down from mother to daughter. The continued stability of community life through innovative employment has enabled a school to be privately funded, ensuring all children at the farm have access to an education. (view adila mohair)
Kunye is the Xhosa word for "forward together" and expresses the ethos behind the Kunye project. Founder and product designer Alison Coutras began Kunye 11 years ago with the aim of providing employment and self sufficiency for both local and rural communities of South Africa. By taking traditional skills and applying using waste materials (plastic) some fantastic modern designs have been created. (view bags) (view interiors)
Lizrae Meyer has combined her passion for design, with her vast enthusiasm and love of her country. Lizrae currently employs six Xhosa women from the townships of Khayelistcha and Philippi, Cape Town, South Africa. Many of the women are solely responsible for providing both an income, and for the care of their children. Lime only began in 2003, and already has plans to build a new workshop to expand it's current production of handcrafted abalone jewellery. (view jewellery)
The Mielie project was created by designer and owner Adri. Their fabulous range of off-beat handbags are handmade using waste/unused cotton from the manufacture of t/shirts. They use as little machinery as possible, to create as many jobs as possible. Since starting in 2002 they have grown to a group of approximately 30 people who work from home in the greater Cape Town area. Working from home means that mothers can be with their children and transport costs are kept to a minimum. Mielie is Afrikaans for corn, the staple diet of most South Africans, and probably the first item on most of the weaver's shopping list. (view bags)
Two young talented British designers, Gemma & Lindsey, have applied their design skills to create a fantastic product that not only makes use of waste materials, but also provides employment for 8 women on the West Coast of South Africa. Housing production in a local community centre keeps overheads to a minimum, avoids the use of transportation and ensures the weavers are fairly paid for their time and expertise. (view bags)
In 2002, designer and founder Jeannette Gibson started an independent empowerment and skills training program, employing thirty women from the surrounding informal settlements of Cape Town, South Africa. The studio is filled with laughter, song and plenty of chatting as the women weave and crochet the extraordinary designs created by Jeannette. Xhenoga not only creates much needed employment, but also provides a base for the traditional community spirit to flourish. (view bags/art pieces)
Branding, packaging & web site design ...
Shaun Power Associates
t. ++44 (0)1462 453705
Photography ...
Andrew Mcarthur
t. ++44 (0) 1462 700124
Graphic Design ...
Balance Design
David Short
t. ++44 (0)1462 450045
e. balancedesign@btinternet.com
Web site Design ...
John Chennells