Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for visiting CraftArt.Africa and taking the time to explore further. As a creative community, we are excited about going online and look forward to sharing with you the product designs and craft art pieces which make our first-ever collection special.
Browsing through the catalogue, you’ll find some of the best handmade work currently available from this southernmost tip of Africa, created by artists, designers and makers who have spent years developing their skills. Our aim is to ensure there is something for everyone and the range will be expanding constantly. Be sure to check in often, as you won’t want to miss our ‘out-of-the-blue’ specials or product of the month features. This and much more to look forward to.
Enjoy!
The CraftArt.Africa online shop has grown organically from a real-life specialist craft art market in South Africa, The Craft Market at Spier Wine Farm.
Developed along Fair Trade principles, the market trading model places each artist and their work at the centre of the visitor experience and it operates successfully as a sustainable social enterprise. The market - and now the online shop - are curated by Sue Heathcock.
I’ve been involved in most aspects of the craft art scene in South Africa since the early 1990’s and have watched it grow and develop in ways we could only imagine back then.
All these years later, working with beautiful things - and the widely diverse people who create them - continues to nourish and inspire me. I see it as an opportunity to bring people together, enable financial independence and celebrate the beauty and integrity of the item made by the human hand. All good.
Our artists are selected for the creativity, quality and authenticity of their work. Many of them have practiced their skills as creative entrepreneurs for years, mentoring and employing small teams of artisans, sharing expertise and providing employment opportunities within their communities. Others are up-and-coming young creatives showing a particular talent in their field.
CraftArt.Africa is designed to be a showcase for this vibrant, innovative collective, ensuring their products reach a much wider audience and providing a year-round sales platform. Many of our artists have been hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 situation, with the usual retail opportunities provided by tourism no longer available.
Show your support by following them here, share with friends and shop for something special, knowing the artists get a fair price for their work and you get a fabulous, one-of a kind piece for your collection.
All products showcased on CraftArt.Africa reflect the diverse and vibrant character of South Africa’s making and design sectors.
Tradition and innovation are equally celebrated and work is sourced from small or emerging creatives through to national icons.
A commitment to quality of design and production is fundamental to our selection process and price points are varied and inclusive.
CraftArt.Africa is proud to showcase local skills and creativity, supporting small businesses while doing so.
© 2020 Sue Heathcock Cultural Projects CC - All Rights Reserved
