I spent yesterday in the company of a most interesting Capetonian woman whose knowledge of her city’s history, architecture, food and art is rich and presented with anecdote and authority.  Cape Town has a broad scope of craft work to offer; much of the most interesting work is “project” work initiated by an artist, designer or otherwise interested person who sets up the business structure and then teaches the production skills  to a community of poor men and women.  The craft ranges from Tea Bag art (tea bags are emptied, ironed flat, decorated with paints and then glued, like decoupage, on to trays, coasters, picture frames, cards, etc) to the ubiquitous wire work (Streetwires Studio) and animal beadwork (Monkeybiz Bead Project).
Two very successful projects are both HIV/AIDS projects – one group embroiders pillow cases and larger pieces with a long stitch and is known for its cow image while the other makes nesting bowls out of great printed papers.  There is also a wonderful production of potato-blocked fabric and another of San-inspired fabric, both of which come in upholstery weight  and in colorways that would work beautifully in any country (sources: Africa Nova and Kalk Bay Modern).  Ceramics seem to me to be some of the most inspired design occurring and the Light from Africa Foundation, located in a marvelous studio in Noordhoek, has fostered skills and passion in young men and women to create one-of-a- kind pieces that are exhibited in the studio but that have also been sent abroad.  Likewise, the Potter’s Workshop has already spawned talented ceramists who have started their own studios with good success.