FIBERWORKS - A CELEBRATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN
FIBER AND TEXTILE ARTISTS

Title: Beyond Okahandja

Description: My art is a companion that travels with me on my journey through life. As I process what I see, experience, and feel, it is often through my art that I begin to understand.

Born in Zimbabwe, I spent most of my childhood on a farm at the base of the Nyanga mountains. In this wild and unspoilt environment, my youthful explorations led to an intimate awareness of both the power and the delicate details of Nature, as well as the subtle nuances of cycles and seasons. It was here too, that I became closely acquainted with rural African people, whose influence is still felt in much of my work. These early years laid the foundation for a lifelong fascination for the continent's last remaining wilderness areas, including the remote regions of the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and the dry desert expanses of Namibia. My home is now nestled in the arid, rocky, aloe-filled bush of the Eastern Cape. All of these places and the people who inhabit them have provided rich material for my work and my use of fabrics, fibres, found objects and techniques is an attempt to reflect something of the magic and mystique of Africa.

Title: Saturn's Gift # 1

Description: "A soulful life is never without its shadow". Thomas Moore

So often we try to push away that which we don't wish to experience.

These works refer to Saturn, the god associated with darkness, melancholy and ageing. They draw our attention to the gifts that come with him, those of wisdom, experience and philosophical appreciation.

I am a full time fibre artist and teacher, operating from my private art studio in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. All of my work is a reflection of my life experience and as such, has become an integral part of that experience. Without my art, I would not be who I am. Without my life, my work would not be as it is.

Title: Saturn's Gift # 2

Description: (Metal bottle top bag)

This bag is constructed primarily from old battered bottle tops that have been collected from the streets of places I have been. For me, these rusted bits of found material have come to symbolise the passage of time. The older and more battered they are, the richer and more beautiful they become. (Is this not a message we alll want to hear, as we look in the mirror and sigh for the days when we were young?) This little armoured pouch also represents the protective layer we build around ourselves, as we learn the hard lessons of life. Within the bag, lies a soft, warm, rich, red velvet heart, hiding safely in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.

Title: Bongwefela

Description: "Bongwefela", which means "unity", is a celebration of life, love and the power of the human spirit.

It seeks to capture the energy and vibration of the life force, that elusive quality that unites us all. It alludes to transitions and moving between worlds, both physical and spiritual, and my prayer for peace, tolerance, compassion and understanding amongst all the nations of the world.

Awards:
First prize for the most Innovative Quilt in the World Quilt Competition USA 2005
Best Art Quilt at the South African National Quilt Festival 2006.

Title: Surrender

Description: The making and hanging of 'Surrender' symbolizes the process of forgiveness. It represents a conscious decision to lay down ones arms and give up the fight. It is about facing the wounds and letting them go. For a more in depth account of the thoughts that went into the making of this piece, visit www.sallyscott.co.za

Title: On the Road to Otjimburambunga

Description: This piece was created in response to a journey I made into the Kaokoveld of Namibia. The geometric designs are inspired by Namibian basketry and the bottle tops, which are a reference to the beauty that comes with age, were collected off the roads along the way. This work attemps to capture the oneness I felt with this vast and hauntingly beautiful desert wilderness.

Title: Guardian of the Deep

Description: Whilst plumbing the depths for inspiration, the muse appeared, a little mattered, but certainly not beaten. Like Enki of Absu, the mythical guardian of the deep, it surfaced with secrets and a wisdom known only to those who have endured a journey that has taken them deep below the surface.

Title: Zimbabwe Ruins

Description: "There is an end to pity, and it is right that there should be an end; for there comes a time when it is a veil over the face of truth." Beverly Nichols: "Father Figure"

This work is about the chaotic situation in Zimbabwe, the land of my birth. My heart goes out to all the victims in Zimbabwe who are paralyzed with fear, hunger and confusion and whose situation is worsening daily. Like the families of abuse victims, who helplessly watch from the sidelines, I wish that there was something that I could do to help, but there is nothing, except to watch and pray that they will finally find the strength within themselves to say "No! Enough. We cannot go on like this any longer. We will create our own change and bring about our own new reality."

This skirt is a prayer for courage, strength and protection and a garment for them to wear when they finally stand up to perform their freedom dance.

Title: Desert Beauty

Description: These wall garments were inspired by the Himba people of Namibia, who live in the remote,harsh and unforgiving climate of the Kaokoveld. Holding onto their traditional culture, they move gracefully through and harmoniously with this barren landscape. My contact with them moved me profoundly and the simplicity of their lives made me question my own values and fears. I find myself wondering how long they will be able to survive as they are, unaffected by Western civilization. The pressures for them to give up what they have are already there. The government wants their land and the church wants their souls. How long before our culture consumes and disbands them forever? This garment is a prayer for their protection.

The second skirt, of Bushman influence, is there to remind us of the passing of an equally rich culture. I suspect the tragedy is about to be repeated.

Sally Scott
1 Frederick street
Sunnyside
Grahamstown
6139

Cell: 0828443688
Phone: 27(0)46 6223547

Email: sallyscottza@hotmail.com
Website:- http://www.sallyscott.co.za/