CCDI Handmade Collection showcases flair and innovation
The Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI), one of the anchor tenants in The Fringe Innovation District, annually presents a collection of the best handmade products from the Western Cape – and the latest, fourth edition reflects the increasing sophistication and flair of the province’s handcrafted products.
Items were selected by a discerning selection panel drawn from design, media and retail, and the judges have chosen a stunning 2012 collection that ranges from ceramics and textiles to glassware and upcycled materials. The products will be unveiled at the iconic Design Indaba Expo to retail buyers and collectors from South Africa and worldwide, as well as showcased in a glossy catalogue and on the CCDI website.
There has been an upsurge of entries this year – 264 entries, compared to 215 last year. Some craft producers and designer makers submitted several objects in their chosen fields. The judging panel whittled these down to around 70 final, outstanding objects.
The panel consisted of Elle Decoration editor Laureen Rossouw, CCDI chairperson Bart Verveckken, Mokena Makeka of Makeka Design Lab, Margie Robertson of gallery Africa Nova and CCDI executive director Erica Elk.
The judges sought originality, innovation, local distinctiveness, integrity and skill in the chosen craft or design area. The only limits were that the final product must not measure more than 1x1x1 metres.
“Having been involved in the selection of the CCDI Handmade collection for a number of years, I’m very pleased to be able to say that we can observe a steady increase in the number of submissions,” said Bart. “We can also observe a steady improvement in the quality of the submissions over the years.
“The panel has always been looking for products that are not only very well made, but have a strong visual or conceptual appeal; objects with a wow factor. That’s why a strong criterion for selection is the degree of innovation presented in the work. This will ensure freshness in the work produced in the Western Cape and allow our craft producers to explore new markets.”
“Given Cape Town’s shortlisting for World Design Capital 2014, there is renewed interest locally and from around the world in our creative people and products,” said CCDI executive director Erica Elk. “The Handmade Collection is a wonderful opportunity for craft producers and designer makers to show just how bold and skilled they can be.”
Said Laureen Rossouw: “Local industry and craft are becoming part of bigger business's plans. South African designers are becoming more aware of the rich resources of crafts in South Africa and are starting to collaborate with craft producers to produce unique contemporary South African designs. This is a movement which I think should be encouraged from both sides.”
The Handmade Collection was first set up as a considered response to a stream of requests for craft items, and a desire to ensure that the best handcraft of the province is showcased regularly.
Items from the Handmade Collection will be on display at various venues throughout the year, after Design Indaba, at various city venues. The work is on loan to the CCDI for a year and similar items can be ordered via the CCDI or directly from the craft producers.
Contact details:
Website: www.capecraftanddesign.org.za
Telephone: (021) 461 1488
Head office: 75 Harrington Street, East City, Cape Town
Email: marjorie.naidoo@@ccdi.org.za
