NIEU-BETHESDA was abuzz with the Karoo Handmade Festival, which was held earlier this month.
The event kicked off with an art exhibition and cocktail evening at Die Waenhuis, with works by Sarina Engelbrecht, Joanne Reen, Gregg Price, Frans Boekkooi, Martin and Charmaine Haines, Raymond Westraadt and Aubrie Jesersky.
The marvellously sultry December Karoo weather played along, and showers of rain didn’t deter visitors, who enjoyed shopping and eating at the Old Parsonage.
Products on offer ranged from organic oils and skin products to handmade fashion wear, hemp and recycled products by Plasticity from Graaff-Reinet.
The Diver and The Dancer sculptures by accomplished wire artist, Jeff Mwazha, were a feast for the eye.
“The largest wire sculpture I’ve made to date is 4m high and is one of Madiba, which can be seen at the Absa Museum in Johannesburg,” said Mwazha.
“It’s quite tricky, because the sculptures are sculpted entirely of wire from the inside out.”
Mwaha’s art has become so popular that he has now trained six more artists, who each specialise in a unique product. He also exports his art to America, but most find homes in Spain, Germany and other parts of Europe.
“As we get volume orders, we have to ensure that we offer good quality. Having one artist do a specific piece ensures consistency and quality control.
“Each piece we make has a deeper story behind it. I always tell my guys not to copy someone else’s work, but to be original, else you destroy your own market,” said Mwazha.
While employing a team comes with heavy financial responsibilities, Mwazha is, however, thankful for the time it affords him to express his creative calling.
