Fiberworks - A Celebration of South African
Fiber and Textile Artists

Title: Wild Dog Wandering

Description: Over the years, I have developed a passion for working with colour and fabric to express myself. Our family often goes on wilderness trails in the Kruger Park, Umfolozi and the Berg, so I have formed strong bonds with the flora and fauna of South Africa.

Being in the wilderness is a life changing experience which renews the spirit. A quote by Ian Player, a renowned conservationist and initiator of wilderness trails says: ‘The first impact of a wilderness journey is an external experience. This is the spark that leads to the spiritual interior journey which is unending.’

I tend to portray the positive side of life and the beauty that is there if you look closely enough. I can recreate my experience by working with cloth, threads and beads.

In ‘Wild Dog Wandering,’ I have tried to capture the joyful exuberant spirit of the wild dog as it wanders the grasslands. The textures of the fabric reflect the amazingly beautiful diverse colour combinations of this charismatic creature.

If you have a passion for something you have got to go out there and pursue it.

Title: Nguni

Description: In my work I seek to reflect cultural and environmental themes related to life in South Africa. The wilderness areas in our country really strike a chord in my heart. To quote Nelson Mandela, "If we do not prevent it, Africa’s animals – and the places in which they live – will be lost to our world, and her children … forever."

This art work was designed as a direct response to the book, "The Abundant Herds", written by Marguerite Poland and David Hammond-Tooke and illustrated by Leigh Voigt. This book explores the pivotal role played by these indigenous cattle in Zulu culture. It is a fascinating sight to see a mixed herd of Nguni cattle in the veld with their exquisite lacy markings. The impact of the colour combinations - black, white, red-browns and greys - is visually striking. The patterns and textures of wild creatures constantly amaze me – hence my works on wild dogs and Nguni cattle.

This abstract design with embroidery and beads is used to create rich textured layers. The beadwork celebrates the coming together of people and nature. Handcraft is in great demand as it has a tale to tell. There is an ancient calming rhythm in the stitching of fabrics and the threading of beads. The person’s character comes through in the creative process.

Title: Looking Upwards

Description: Thoughts while lying on the grass looking upwards through the branches of a flat crown in my garden.

Title: One Thing leads to Another I

Description: This artwork is a layered abstract with circular designs, cut away to reveal intriguing glimpses of bright colours and bushveld hues. It expresses a mood of optimism about life and the environment. The process of individually layering, cutting, beading and positioning each circular design brings new facets into play.

Title: If I were a Praise Singer

Description: This artwork is designed in the shape of a garment to be worn while singing the praises of our country South Africa. The colours, textures and beadwork celebrate the coming together of its people and nature

Judy Breytenbach