Jewellery: Piece Jewelry and Adornment Exhibition 2011

Piece [South Africa]

Some of South Africa’s top creative talent have come together to create a stunning range of jewellery and other adornments in an exhibition entitled ‘Piece’, a pioneering brand that is active in the handicraft sector with a focus on business training, product development and creating a sustainable business. Working extensively throughout the Southern African region, the idea for Piece was born when founder Eugenie Drakes, who was attending a workshop at Ngwenya Glass Blowers in Swaziland, met and asked ceramist Andile Dyalvane of Imiso Ceramics, to make some ceramic beads for her. Upon receiving some sample beads the team at Ngwenya Glass Blowers were themselves inspired by what they saw and wanted to create their own beads. This interest led Eugenie to seek ways of connecting artists and set about inviting some of South Africa’s most accomplished artists to apply their skills towards creating elegant collections that celebrate local design and craft. Inspired by the notion of conversing through a grain of sand, Piece’s latest exhibition, entitled ‘Conversations’ is based in Johannesburg from 22nd September to 22nd October 2011.

[Image credits: Piece creations for Face of Africa 2010 held in Lagos, Nigeria]

Carrying through the skill and narrative of the beadmakers the brief was to; be inspired, be free, have fun and have a conversation through the different mediums available. Curated by award-winning South Africa stylist, Jenny Andrew, each piece on display is made with ceramic beads created by Andile Dyalvane and recycled glass beads made by the Ngwenya Glass Blowers team; Daniel Masuku, Leo Dlamini, Sibusiso Masilela and Zakhele Mdluli. Those who were invited, choosing from the parcels of beautifully made beads include: Ama Ogan (Creator), Beauty Maswanganyi (Master Beader, Piece), Carlo Gamberini (Bronze caster) Corinne Honnorat (Designer), Ella Buter (Superella), Emma Jordan (Editor, Ifashion), Eugenie Drakes (Founder piece), Kristen Malan (Award-winning designer), Leigh-Anne Drakes (Creative), Mandy Smith (Jeweller), Marchand van Tonder (Jeweller), Margo Fleisch (Costumier), Rehann Calitz (Contextualist), Reintette Katzoff (Designer), Ronel Jordaan (Textile Artist), Sarah Rhodes (Designer/maker Central St Martins London PHD student), Stoffel & Antoinette van Wyk & Brek (Foil Styling), Trevyn & Julian McGowan (Source & Southern Guild), Vicky Newton King (Sculptor); all of whom bring their own unique perspective to the craft with some gorgeous, colourful, striking strands that collectively form wonderfully rich textures.

[Image credits: Piece Jewellery for Heni Este-Hijzen Collection – Ubuntu International Project]

Collaborations with some of the Continent’s leading fashion designers has seen Piece creations adorn several catwalk collections including; Mataano Spring/Summer 2012 at Africa Fashion Week and that of Heni Este-Hijzen who made his debut at London Fashion Week Sept 2011 as part of the Ubuntu International Project. I am continually amazed at what can be achieved with beadwork.

…conversing through beads to create unique conversation pieces.

Additional information sourced from:
www.ifashion.co.za

Additional details:
The Piece exhibition is being held at: Shop 5, The Firs, Cradock Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
For further information about Piece visit: www.piece.co.za