PROLOGUE

This collection is the beginning of a journey and a brand. Special in that it embodies the curiosity of discovering a new world at a time when mine had become increasingly desaturated.

A world with fine thread, luxurious textures, elegant artistry, warm relationships, and patient traditions. This world being the cozy sewing & art room at my Vovo’s (grandmother’s). A room I played in as a child, I now toyed with material and needle - learning of a patience alluded to in the female-centric crafts. The patience of creation.

Standing alongside Vovo, learning to sew and appreciate the fine details and character of these hand-worked pieces was a humbling experience. Not only by learning to value the artistry in Vovo’s skill, but by cherishing the time spent with her. The poised and measured grandmother I was familiar with fell way to the quick and cheeky workmate I was introduced to.

I discovered passion. I found richness in the creative process. I found curiosity in discovering unique textiles. I found meaning in meeting colourful characters.

But what good was that to me? I was 24. Two unused writing degrees. Barely able to afford comfortable living in the city I grew up in. Estranged from the increasingly isolated communities around me. Helpless to the absurdity of life. Questioning who I was, lost in who I was ‘meant’ to be, hazy in where I was headed, ignorant in what I wanted.

I kept reflecting, after all — what else was there to do in lockdowns. I read. I rambled. All the while I continued to meet interesting people, talk to them about their life, artistry or that of their heirloom. I collected more textiles that inspired me. Developed my creativity. Fostered my passion… Found my way forward. I would, in the words of Camus, ‘follow ones passions to the extremes dictated by the absurdity of life’.

With the help and support of my friends and family new worlds were realised. This was the assurance of my choices. I opened myself up to the world, and it in turn opened up itself and its possibilities to me.

I would fix up my car, pack my sewing machine in the back, my surfboards on the roof, my pages empty & pen full, my mind open & my passions at peace.

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ON SMALL TOWNS & BACK ROADS