Pottering in the Rose Garden....

Cant believe we are so far into the month of January!
Well the festive season is truly over and everything is settling back into routine Im back in the studio working on mt new collection.... All i have right now are test pieces but soon soon Ill have some pics of what Im getting up to on the bench!

2009 seems to be bringing me lots of inspiring ideas and thoughts and I hope I can get going with them all,I have a busy 3 months ahead of me as I plan to stock another 4 shops and create a collaborative range with my friend and fashion designer Kathrin Kidger for the July as well as for Durban Fashion Week! I may just need to hire a little "elf" to help me out with all that needs to be done!

I spent yesterday in the garden and came in relaxed and inspired, it was so much fun taking photos of all the residents of my little rose garden as u can see I got up close and personal with the ones that weren't shy!
One of my new years resolutions is to take better care of it and spend more "me" time pottering about in it.It does need some attention I admit!

Have a good week all!
In 2009 I look forward to reading and exploring our wonderful world of blogging!

XOXO
Sofia

Pottering in the Rose Garden....

A post Christmas note.....

Its been so long since I last blogged I hardly know what to say!
I have finally finished my degree and what a long haul that has been!I had my final show in November and then got busy with some commissions etc, so blogging was left out for a while... but Im back and will soon be my old self again.I just needed time out to relax and fall out of the busy, fast paced routine I had going towards the end of the year.
Christmas was fantastic and I hope yours was wonderful too!

Above is a close up of my favourite decoration ! who can resist a gold glitter rocking horse!
Back soon!
XX
S

Carla Nuis.... pierced, patterned wonders

One of the first designers that I found I could identify with was Carla Nuis, her exciting, intricate gold, silver and bronze designs are based on transforming the perception one has of decorative ornament in general. “ My approach brakes with the traditional idea of ornamentation being a supplementary matter “.
Carla chooses to enhance the intricate delicacy of her designs by transforming the patterns into openwork three dimensional jewellery objects that suggest the historic tradition of filigree.

COMPARISON TO MY WORK
I found this designers work at a time when it was necessary to explore what others do in the same field, it was wonderful to see the similarities my work had with such a well known cutting edge artist of the jewellery design field and although Carla’s work is the result of a complex process of computer aided design and laser cutting (adding a more delicate level to her work ) and mine is created through the process of casting and piercing by hand we have both come up with a design that is very similar if not the same.

I heart Tim Walker.....

A few posts ago I mentioned how much I love Tim Walker's photography I have since found out more about him,( as my collaboration with Reine by Kathrin Kidger is in two weeks time).


INSPIRATION AND SETTING

The inspiration for these special window’s to another world is drawn from almost every aspect of his life, he keeps a sketch book of words, collages and images that make an impact on him and he draws his inspiration from this impromptu catalogue to create “ a moment that is real in an unreal environment “.
I enjoy the type of dramatic feminine stage he sets and one of my projects next year will be to create a catalogue were my own jewellery is set in this kind of histrionic ambient. It’s so easy to tumble into the special world he creates full of notions of childhood stories, memories and fantasy.

How do you Do ?!

Tonight whilst browsing my blog, sorting out what posts I can use in my RR (only 3 weeks to go!) and yes ! I am feeling the stress! I clicked on my feedjit and remembered that lately Ive seen quite a few direct arrivals on my blog! Which is so exciting!Whoever you are, Welcome! Make yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable!
I've been blogging for a while now and although I've a made a couple of contacts I would love more! To get to know inspiring, creative individuals that want to share their thoughts, opinions and work.

So to all of you DIRECT ARRIVALS ( yes New York New York/ Victoria British Columbia/ Fort Worth Texas / London LOndon and Portland Maine!, next time you drop by, introduce yourself!
It could be the beginning of a long and creative FRIENDSHIP!

xoxo
S.

Plodding along.....

I'm alive!
I haven't deserted my little blog just yet but there has been so much on the go, I'm not managing to keep up with my posts.I actually have so much to blog about I don't know where to start, last Monday I moved into my new studio space at Euforia.
A great shopping experience all under the roof of a Victorian House with the different rooms being outlets for different shops. Euforia's concept is to create a space for young and existing designers in Durban to market their work and also to introduce a culture of street markets. Funky labels include Soulskin, Miss Moneypenny, Nicky Savage Jewellery and Black Pepper. The idea has expanded to incorporate a 2nd hand book store called Last Chance Books as well as a Deli with lots of yummy treats! All in 1 big house!!! and at the back is my lovely new work space that I am renting from Nicky (its her workshop) So nice to be with other people as I'm not used to working alone and Ive heard that it takes some getting used to!
Will take some pics tom and post them for u all to see.I love it, the light is amazing, the space is amazing everything is organized and happy! I'm happy!At the same time as all this is going on I am writing my RR which is going well, sometimes slow but all in all it not that tough!

Am also working on new bits and pieces for my next showing that I some how have to fit in at the end of the month as well as my final exhibition for Tech which is in the 1st week of November !
Never been one to work well under pressure, am hoping I can keep the wheels from falling off just a little bit longer!
Times are changing and I guess I must change with them!

I can't blog without mentioning the alarming crisis the world financial markets are going through and all the implications that we all could possibly face, especially as mine is a luxury product! Times are tough but luckily South Africa has not been affected too much by the turmoil ( Political and Social crisis happen daily in our country, we have our own set of problems)
I watch the news in anticipation of the next big plummet but I hope the world can turn the corner very soon!For my sake and yours!As young entrepreneurs we can only pay attention and stay positive!




XXX
S.