African Sketchbook...

Cape Town's African Sketchbook is a place

where fabric is considered the most important

element of interior design. The most impressive

part is that each piece is painted by hand.

Here, sheet music is blown up against

a background of awning stripes.

Story and color palette are the two building

blocks that dictate each creation.

The artists are the company's foundation.

The artists have no formal art training, but

they do want to work. That desire turns

unskilled labor from nearby townships into

talented and valued artists.

Creators Di and Anne wanted to play a role

in the future of South Africa and its transition

to democracy. South Africa is a country that is

still stricken with poverty, unemployment, and

a large population without a high school diploma.

The London Daily Telegraph calls African Sketchbook's

designs a "through the looking glass experience."
Drama, drama, drama.

This interior shot is from Cape Grace, a 150 room 5-star

hotel with handpainted curtains, upholstery, and tapestries.

_______

For more information and images,

visit African Sketchbook.