Creative Inspiration

Well, I have been wondering how I could start my blog off with a bang and guess what? I found something, or rather, some things, that really inspired me. I had not intended to shamelessly promote a business through my blog, however, Art at Work is a little bit special. Their products are simply gorgeous. They are also well made, Proudly South African and fairly priced, but it goes much deeper than that.

This business is a prime example of what happens when creativity and compassion unite. Doing business as ethically possible whilst remaining financially viable is no easy task; add to that the need to constantly evolve and create to maintain the essence of the business and you can understand why so few start up'smake it through their first or second year.

It takes a very special person (or people) to have the patience and determination to deal with the numerous challenges that face a social enterprise, and yet you will see no sign in their products, of the daily issues that this team deal with on a regular basis. Somehow, the magic of creativity predominates everything they make and when you meet any of the team, personality shines through. Having found out more about their journey to where they are today really makes each item you buy very special.

Art at Work

Ruth & Andre Marriott are the driving force behind Art at Work, which is not only a great place to find unique, Proudly South African products but also a social empowerment hub for the local community. Based in Somerset West, in the Western Cape, this inspiring couple have taught themselves Xhosa, taught Xhosa speaking women English and somehow in between, managed to create simply beautiful pieces of mosaic (and other) art!

This passage is taken from their website (www.art-at-work.za.org which is constantly updated).

"Inspired by a new born child, evolved because of a Xhosa, single mother; Team Art At Work create beautiful eclectic products for your body, soul and home. All items are individually hand crafted on the principle of Fair Trade, by several African women & 1 man, who live in the informal settlements near Cape Town, South Africa.

In addition to the workshop in Somerset West, the store in The Craft Market (BLUE SHED - V&A Waterfront) is truly a shop for the soul! Aesthetics to delight the senses; long, hanging strands of sliced and rough crystal stones are pieced together to create a harmonic tool for soothing the soul; and the walls are adorned with a unique world of art, including their signature style mosaic pieces to illuminate the home. To complement this  is a range of unique, organic necklaces, made with rough and polished stones and copper and silver wire."

Running a business like this is not easy. Providing employment for local South Africans who have migrated from the Eastern Cape and who simply could not find work else where, comes with it's own challenges. The language barrier aside, often there are numeracy and literacy issues to overcome and I know that other similar businesses have reported having to deal with health issues such as HIV Aids. As is often the case with Small Businesses, team Art at Work has become one big family, and it shows in the beauty of the items they create.

Not only do they make the most beautiful (and spiritual) jewellery pieces, but their range of mosaic products continues to grow and evolve and ranges from mirror tiles that grace tables, chairs, mirrors (which are simply gorgeous) and my absolute favourite - mosaic bust. Their stall at the V&A Waterfront Craft Market sells as much of their range as it will hold, a firm favourite being the mosaic ball spirals.

This really is an amazing enterprise with a couple who truly want to (and do) assist the local community and who manage to do so in a creative way.

They export items, commision any mosaic item or art you need and are happy to advise on interior designs. Their contact details are:

Ruth & Andre Marriott
Telephone: + 27 (0) 79 712 0020
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.art-at-work.za.org

Or find them at the Craft Market (Blue Shed), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.