The eclectic community of the cobblestone streets of Bo Kaap, Cape Town have colour blocking down to a fine art.

Each house facade dating back to the 1700 and 1800s is painted in bright solid colours.

Community rules are that each house must be a different colour to your neighbour.

What started as a project by Stan Engelbrecht and fellow cyclist Nic Grobler to investigate South African bicycle culture has turned into a cycling photographic odyssey spanning more than 2 years, 500 portraits and covering over 6,000 km.

Cycling around South Africa photographing and interviewing people who use bicycles as an integral tool in their day-to-day existence; they have compiled a unique photographic series that captures this popular form of transport.

The best 165 portraits and stories are featured in a three-part book due for release early March. You can pre-order through Dayone Publishing.

I had the pleasure of meeting one of my favourite African / Australian artists late last year.

South African raised Dael Couturier now resides in Melbourne (she still has the accent!) and describes her family as the ‘United Nations’ - married to an Algerian (hence the French surname), a son born in Korea and an Australian father.

Dael’s exhibition displayed her latest works, a collection of paintings depicting traditional African rural village scenes. She paints from memories of her time in South Africa and also from snap shots taken on her visits back to her homeland.

Strong faceless people, earthy colours and heavy textured oil paint is Dael’s trademark with her paintings. Her new collection continues this theme, and introduces bright pops of colour with lime green vegetation and women draped in raspberry and orange cloth.

For more information or to purchase one of Dael’s paintings contact Dael Couturier 0413 487 929.

Who would have thought plastic could look so beautiful illuminated!

These Regency inspired chandeliers are part of the aptly named Magpie Art Collective's range of lighting, handcrafted from recycled plastic bottles.

Barrydale locals are encouraged to dispose of their plastic waste in the ‘Magpie’ street side recycling bin, with glass and other recyclables also accepted through a recycling specialist.

It is always nice to know that your garbage has a second life as part of an amazing art piece.

Click here to view more of the Magpie Art Collective's works.

Earthy African elegance are the best words to describe Kapama Karula, a private luxury lodge in South Africa.

The wilds of the southern African bushveld are well and truly tamed and calmed with a well-balanced mix of raw light timbers, soft neutral fabrics and carefully selected accent pieces.

I just love the twig chandelier and the mounted hippo (or could be elephant!) bones in the lounge and the Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Armchairs in the dining area.

Although my camping days are well and truly over, I would definitely have no problem sleeping under canvas in one of the Karula Tents with a bathroom like that!

For more information visit the Kapama website.

How amazing are these illustrations by Brazil's Fernando Volken Togni!

His series of 24 hour destination illustrations were produced for Qatar Airways' Oryx Magazine.

No guesses for which one is my favourite!

To view more of Fernando's colourful works visit the Fernando Volken Togni website.

A special note to let you know we will be closed from
Friday 23 December and will re-open for 2012 on Monday 09 January.

Things have been a little hectic for us at Safari Fusion HQ in the lead up to Christmas...

One very good reason; I have been running around buying all the bits and pieces in preparation for the arrival of our new 'employee' Winnie.

A gorgeous 8 week old Welsh Terrier puppy, Winnie joined my family last Saturday.

It is only 48 hours since she arrived and already she has her sleeping mat next to my desk worked out!

If you haven't guessed, I just love to look at beautiful African photographic portraits.

I came across Amsterdam based photographer Diego Arroyo recently...

"He travels the world in search of the subtle: a smile, a wink of complicity, that special look that reveals our true and intimate essence.

His challenge is trying to catch the story behind the eyes of strangers, the underlying magic that deserves to be seen and usually remains unnoticeable."

Source: Creative Roots

Pencil the date in your diary...

Friday 25 November 2011

As a valued member of our Mailing List, we invite you to shop with us on Friday 25 November and save 15% on all purchases*.

A special discount code will be emailed to you the day prior for you to use on your purchases.

Feel free to call us and we will place your order online for you so you don't miss out!

^{*Discount not applicable on Gift Vouchers, Shipping Insurance & Delivery charges. Excludes Trade & Wholesale. Must be a member of our Mailing List in order to receive the discount code.}

Shop Safari Store | Join our Mailing List