Silkworm art
This silk journey literally started with a journey during spring 2021. While on holiday in the Cape my brother gave me a starter pack of a few silkworms and eggs. His words: "jy het nou geen verskoning meer nie".
Septembermaand se winter in die Kaap verander skielik na somer hier deur die Karoo en die eiers begin uitbroei. Die moerbeiblaartjies vir padkos ingepak is skielik te min soos nog wurmpies uitbroei. Die nuwe aankomelinge is honger. My geliefde oornagplek by Springfontein se moerbeiboom dink nog dis winter. Menigte ouer wie se spruit al met 'n houertjie sywurms by die huis aangekom het, ken hierdie gevoel.
Alle toer-toer ryplanne verdwyn soos die pad na die noorde onder die wiele verdwyn. Dit voel later of die hele Gauteng weet ek is oppad huis toe soos ek vooruit skakel om moerbeiblare te probeer bekom. Dankie vir vriende wat nog omgee en uitgehelp het - die hoop het nie beskaam nie!
During the past months I became an expert in travelling with silkworms. The first eggs of the 2022 season started to hatch, way to early during the last week of July, while I was packing; my destination one of the coldest places in South Africa. Luckily I've had no time to think about the implications. With a 30cm high mulberry tree next to me, I felt much more prepared than when my silkworm journey started almost 12 months earlier.
Now it is December 2022. I promissed myself no silkworms during the festive period. Do I miss these cool and soft bodies producing silkworm art!
Each silkworm spins at its own pace and creates a unique artwork - no repetition, no prescription, just surprises. I can only value and adore the creativity of these masters of art.
Dankie Boeta!
En dankie aan almal wat blare aandra of help pluk of net vertel waar 'n moerbeiboom is.
Dankie ook aan Africa Silks in Graskop wat van die sywurmkuns uitstal.
The road ahead:
Job creation possibilities?
Working with a home for people with disabilities?
More to explore...
Now it is 4 years since this silkworm journey started. The product range expanded and the shops stocking silkworm art is also increasing. This is one step closer to fulfilling my dream of rolling this project out as a job creation venture in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Where can I buy silkworm art products?
A:
- Africa Silks, c/o Andringa and Church Streets, Stellenbosch
- Eden Arts, Books and Crafts, Bayside Centre, Mossel Bay
- Hendersons Lodge, Hoog Street, Senekal
- Spektra Art, Union Avenue, Lyttelton, Centurion
- Thamela Farm Stall, R75, Jansenville
- The Little Art Shop, Paddagang Centre, George
- The Shed, N1, Beaufort West
- Vetmuis, Richmond
- Unique Market, 11-21 December, NG Elarduspark, Frelon Street, Pretoria
Q: Can I buy silkworm cards and gift tags online?
A: Due to the uniqueness of each card and gift tag, it is difficult to put a catalogue together. Only sample images will be able to be displayed, which will complicate buyer satisfaction, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder thereof.
You are welcome to contact Live4Design by clicking on the link below and send a message with your request.
Q: Can I buy silkworm cards in bulk?
A: Yes, but place your order in time for special requests, such as events or selected themes, to ensure that a sufficient supply of stock is available.
