Beginning in response to the mental health challenges faced by members of society who have thoughts of suicide, or those who have survived the loss of a loved one to suicide, "WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT" was meant to address this community by exhibition goers writing encouraging words  directly onto the artwork, to be read by passersby.  

The messages were written on two sides of a wooden sculpture of a heart fastened with aluminium and iron nails, and painted white with a unique design on each side. 

Visitors wrote encouraging messages that helped them through challenging times between the lines of the designs on either side of the sculpture, or wrote an encouraging "private" message on a piece of paper which could be submitted in a slot on the top of the heart.

Eventually this project was not only for those facing mental health challenges but for all people needing encouragement, particularly during the covid19 pandemic.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

A 5piece collection of looks inspired by African hairstyles namely, braids, corns rows and afros.  

The entire collection is produced with only natural fibre material and uses zero plastic sewing technology such as zippers or buttons. All pieces are hand-dyed with synthetic dye, which was used and reused until no pigment remained.

The collection hints at the androgyny of these hairstyles and was inspired by Minoan silhouettes and unisex wear.

AFROHERHAIRIUM

Addressing the difficult shared history between Namibia and Germany, "WE ALL BLEED RED (Remembering Every Drop) aka WABR" is a rewriting of the present through textile and sound; a stark reminder that although we all look so different on the surface, at our most basic level, we all bleed, red.

This project is still ongoing and has begun with showing a series of tapestries showcasing the symbols of the Nama and Herero people, as motifs inspired by symbols of the people directly involved in the 1904-1908 Genocide in Namibia.

The 2 tapestries hanging from nails in the wall, are secured with 3 pieces of Namibian ochre on the floor, at each corner and at the centre of each tapestry. The tapestry on the left is called "Ekori" after the ovaHerero traditional headdress. The tapestry on the right is called "Khoisan" referring to the San people of Namibia and the traditional women's leather apron or loincloth.

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