If you are in the area at the right time, visit the Howzit Haenertsburg Homegrown Market held on the Village Green. From unique crafts to mouth-watering treats, there is something for everyone as you meander around the circular embrace of colourful stalls with an array of local goodies. Look out for these talented women from the area who are creating magic …
SEW CREATIVE!
‘Art is an overflow of gratitude for the human experience and I sometimes feel that I AM the art. My desire is to capture the beauty I see all around me and to reflect it back into the world. I take an artistic approach in everything I do because I believe that it is part of the responsibility of being an artist - as fundamental as breathing. Sometimes life doesn’t make it easy to be in the flow but as creatives, If we don’t make art, we are not fulfilling a very important role in the world.’
Tamla McMahon is a multi-talented musician, artist, teacher and most recently, designer living at Otterholt Farm. She has started a clothing and home range with inspiration found in the beauty of places around her. Hand-made, cotton and naturally-dyed with the soil, Tamla’s shirts, pants and dresses are ‘made with the earth in mind’ and are ‘good for the soul’. She expresses another side of her creative spirit through relaxed jamming sessions at the Howzit and Woodcutters markets, saying, ‘I have always believed that music should flow organically. I see life as an expression of art ... from the clothes that I wear to the music I make and I think my essence is captured in every element.’
Connect with Tamla on 064 773 1889 | otterholtfarmsa@gmail.com
‘I always had a thing for art but I didn’t know how to incorporate it into my daily lifestyle until I realised that making clothes is a creative outlet and my expression of art,’ says Sarah Nkoana whose Saarthie clothing range is as beautiful and vibrant as she is. Her stall at the Haenertsburg Market is a popular one attracting visitors to the bright ankara colours of her kimonos which can be worn as a stylish jacket, gown or dress. She believes that, ‘talent and passion work hand in hand but I have also learnt to play around with my creativity.’
Sarah explains that, ‘during the school holidays, I used to visit my mom who works in Haenertsburg and I just fell in love with how welcoming this place is, not knowing that it would one day be my home. I have a passion for empowerment, so I love what the Howzit market is doing to support the community. My dream is for Saarthie to become a big brand-name, having its own physical and online store; being part of big fashion shows and known nationally and internationally. With the rate of unemployment amongst youth in this country, I’d love my company to play a part in incorporating talented young people who are interested in fashion.’ Sarah also plans to pursue Law and English Literature at UNISA so watch this space! Connect with Sarah on 073 586 5152.
Virginia Ramohlola was born on the farm now known as Blueberry Heights, attended the local Appel Combined School before going on to a commercial college and then doing hair-dressing and sewing courses. She was always creative like her grandmother but it was when she met the late Merle Payne that her life changed forever. Merle introduced Virginia to embroidery and together they created unique cushion covers, dramatic skirts and a quirky handbag range for the South African and international marketplace.
Virginia has proudly carried on the legacy making bags and an original clothing range which are in demand because of the bright colours in the fabrics she uses as well as her impeccable hand embroidery and finishes. She doesn’t see it as a job but rather as a passion for creating unique, beautiful, detailed products by hand. She would love to pass on her skills to youth in the neighbouring rural communities so that young women can earn a living and be independent. She loves the Haenertsburg Market because it is a place where all the local creatives get to meet, see each other’s work and have an opportunity to sell their products. Connect with Virginia on 079 968 0267.
‘The reason I am so creative is that I was encouraged by my nurturers from the start,’ says Roanne Dahl. ‘I grew up in an era with no TV so I had to use my imagination and was encouraged to create my own entertainment. My mom and gran read a lot, knitted, sewed, cooked and gardened passing all those skills onto me so I had a huge cache to draw upon,’ Roanne moved to Haenertsburg from the ‘big city' 13 years ago to become self-sustainable by learning how to thrive on the land and off the grid. I see my uniqueness through a creativity lens and feel blessed to have all these gifts to explore!’
‘People like the fact that my clothing range is cotton and uses the distinctive shweshwe prints while kids love the teddy bears made with all the scraps. Being part of the Haenertsburg Homegrown Market is like belonging to a little family. It is a highlight once a month to be part of this community enterprise where there are creative people like myself and everyone has something different to offer. I’m sure that our little local event will soon have a reputation far and wide for being the most amazing market in Limpopo.’ Connect with Roanne on whatsapp: 072 806 2028 | Facebook @ amadarling.creations.
Creativity is a fundamental pillar for innovation, making us more resilient, adaptable and inspired by this crazy journey called life so let’s support and celebrate all those who make our spirit soar.
Haenertsburg Homegrown Markets will be held on:
Saturday, 9am to 4pm.
7 September,
5 October,
2 November
14 December
Entrance is free. Contact Megan: 082 479 7285.
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