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Discover KZN Design

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Discover KZN Design is all about our homegrown local talent. Interior stylist Bron Parsons is curator of the Discover KZN Design stand at the 2024 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show, and she’s loving the talent search: “I’m a big believer in searching for beauty among the rubble,” she says, “That’s where you find raw talent and true grit.”

And she’s finding exceptional talent in all corners of KwaZulu-Natal, uncovering and discovering among others, artists, ceramicists and furniture makers you may or may not have heard of. No matter, you’re going to fall in love with their work. Local is more than lekker: “Not only do we have immense talent, but there’s an abundance of determination, courage and innovation surrounding us. How lucky are we to live here?” says Bron.

Take Gwyneth Gosling, an award-winning ceramic artist, introduced to clay in the 70s by her mother. One of life’s crossroads catapulted her from her lucrative real estate career into the world of clay…success and satisfaction. Gwyneth’s inspired by the earth and the beautiful world in which we live: “It’s so full of wonder and artistic beauty, and I’m saddened by the decline of wild places and its creatures. I try through my art to bring our attention back to its beauty and how necessary it is not to destroy it.” Her ceramics are authentic and earthy, and their beauty will tug at you.

Inspired by nature, Ballito-based fine artist Kerry Hall has always painted and drawn: “I paint everything from miniature abstract watercolours to bold contemporary botanicals, tropical jungle scenes and most recently aerial seascapes. Ballito provides the most spectacular inspiration for me to celebrate KZN’s beautiful surroundings. The ocean is a place of refuge for me, and I hope my paintings provide that sense of calm for others too.”

Meet (Samulkelizwa) Sam Shezi, a 3D-printed-ceramic artist who creates exquisite products for the homeware industry: “My passion lies in being able to take ideas, create concepts and develop them into physical 3D forms.” Sam’s 3D work is clean and contemporary, with inspiration drawn from glorious Afrocentric geometrics.

Dynamic husband and wife team Marc and Chonell d’Offay of Edge Designs, are putting their years of experience in the water-jet cutting industry to another creative use. Their passion for beautiful stone is the inspiration behind their customizable and timeless pieces of furniture. Proudly South African, they provide locally crafted, handmade, high-end furniture from porcelain and natural stone.

And a gem in the rough. Always intrigued by craft and clay, Phumlani Nyawo was working a maintenance job when he chanced upon a craft shop. Fast forward to 2012, and he attended a visual arts course. Today, he has galleries across KZN displaying and selling his work. As Bron says excitedly, “There is so much shape, beauty and a contemporary edge to his work while still paying homage to his traditional roots.”

The Discover KZN Design stand is going to be a magnet for those who love to discover new people doing new things, beautifully. Especially when they live and walk among us! This is the way to Create Happy Homes. Meantime, Bron Parsons is still out there combing the hidden corners of our province, where so much talent is waiting to be discovered. Find it – and them – all at the Discover KZN Design at this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show, Exhibition Centre, from 29 June to 7 July.

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