Within the delicate weave of each thread lies a story waiting to be told…
It was a beautiful Spring day. We woke up early and headed up the West Coast of South- Africa. We’ve heard about this little town called Paternoster, but had no idea how it would steal our hearts forever.
There in between dunes and fields of wildflowers laid the sleepy village. White Dutch style houses, tin roofs and blue doors dotted the landscape. It honestly took our breath away.
Such a treasure, but more than the stunning beauty of this timeless place were the people. It was like time stood still and everyone still knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
As we walked and picked up shells an old farm truck backed onto the beach. Soon tired farmers jumped off the back, boogie boards in hand and started playing in the waves. I couldn’t help but think how amazing that would be. After a hard day’s work to play like a little kid once more.
I knew I had to capture this somehow. First with camera, then with sketches and paint.
Couples everywhere slowly meandered, looking for that perfect sea shell. Others buried their feet in the sand while enjoying freshly caught fish at the beach front restaurants. And the most beautiful of all were the fishing boats all along the beach, weathered and worn, finding some rest after a long day of work.
We were blessed to travel all along South-Africa’ s coast. From the Atlantic ocean to the Indian Ocean. Falling in love with many more towns. But of course it was the people who truly won our hearts.
As we sat on the beaches I really saw how everyone, and I mean EVERYONE loved the ocean. They would run down the beach, young and old and celebrate their arrival in their own language. Some would clap their hands, do a little dance and fall right into the waves laughing and rolling around. Others would put their toes in, holding babies and with the biggest smile say the word “Ocean” in their language.
I wanted to capture this in print, No matter where you come from or how you say the word “Ocean”, it always refreshes the soul and unites us all.
The idea of a fabric collection only came to me later. I wanted to tell the story of this jewel of a town and the serene atmosphere we felt that day.
Did you know South-Africa has 11 national languages. It truly is a rainbow nation of cultures, music, food and languages all loving their country.
