LIONEL SMIT

I first read about Lionel Smit, and his achievements, in the local newspaper. I then tracked him down via email, and he was in London for the Graf/Christies exhibition! We had a fantastic shoot together for Garden and Home Magazine. Now I  turn every corner, and see his work, in amazing houses, and galleries.  I am always happy when artists create, events showing people what goes in to all there work. Lionel invited his followers to a casting at night, what an intense event.  I know he is going places.

Mungo Design

 

Having seen Mungo Design items, over the past few years. I never really knew about them.  When I went to London last year, and interviewed Polly Dixon, the Creative Director of Conran International , I remembered her saying she got a gift of flat towels that where from a textile producer in Plettenberg Bay(South Africa). I guessed they where from Mungo Design, and she remembered the name. She said she would never use another towel in her life, they were so absorbent, and easy to travel with.  When she came to South Africa last year she found them, and now they produce for the Conran shop internationally.  This is all thanks to visionary textile man, Stuart Holding.  Stuart believes in quality, and has a passion for finding samples of old weaving. Since then I have used there products extensively in my shoots over the past year. I have even done a "pat on your back page" on Stuart (for Garden&Home), the founder and force behind  Mungo Design. 

I had the joy of visiting their shop, at the Old Nick in Plettenberg bay last week, it was amazing to see how the textiles are still made on vintage machinery.  It really makes you feel the quality, and workmanship.  I am completely converted,  and never want a fluffy towel again.

Salt at Overture

My Friends, and also my favourite chefs, are Craig Cormack, and Bertus Basson they from, Overture Restaurant. These are some photographs, I did to illustrate the special evenings they host. They pair food, and wine with SALT.

room 39

I have recently had the great opportunity of working with some creative London Girls, from Room 39.  London based decor website. It should be up and running in October.  They have sourced some product from our amazing pull of SA designers, ie Danny from Moonbasket- see her lights (green below),David Krynauw, for his amazing wooden lights(top and middle), and Piers from Fly-pitcher, which I have had the opportunity of introducing you to before.  I am looking foward to a parcel, with their kiddies Linen, and another shoot soon, will keep you updated.
For more info contact Simone.

excellence awards

I have had the good fortune, of having 3 of the stories I styled and photographed, entered into the caxton magazines excellence awards.  These are some of the images from the shoot and the idea behind the concept.

New Wave
idea behind.
Recreating the coastal holiday feeling, one feels when by the sea.  Nostalgic pattern, like the tiles- blue and white checkerboard.  They recreate the feel of a warm, balmy Mediterranean evening, with the smell of hot peaches and a sea breeze.  The idea, to have the continuous feel of holiday comfort and carefree happiness in your interiors.  This has been achieved with the use of blue, sky and sea.  With bits of natural seaside driftwood and shells, to transport you back to the sound of crashing waves. Using the idea of holiday photos(printing large panels), and creating a backdrop of the sea, in your lounging area.

The Great Indoors
Idea behind
The Idea is to incorporate, bits of nature into your interiors.  By incorporating collections of butterflies or plants.  Creating the feeling of outside, inside by the use of materials such as wood, and eco friendly items like, the cardboard side table.  Texture is important, as it is prevalent outside, and creates the warmth of a forest environment.   To keep the look fresh, and to awaken the senses- vibrant green is used- to symbolize growth.  We have a natural calmness that overcomes us in the outdoors, and by using white , green and tones of nature. I have tried to simulate this.