The Art of Progress

The embroidery and beading works from the Keiskamma Art Project are now becoming ‘must have’ collector’s items.

Back in 2002 when this was but a fledgling project a well meaning friend labelled the items to be sold with the words, ‘pity purchases’.  For supporters who showed confidence and purchased a commercial product, they should take good care of it; they have a gem made by artists.

Times have moved on since then and the group produces major art works which win prestigious prizes, attain great media interest, and are purchased by collectors.  The Keiskamma History Tapestry, for example, was purchased by the Standard Bank and now hangs in the Parliament Buildings in Cape Town, while the Keiskamma Altarpiece is touring the USA.

The Keiskamma History Tapestry (Detail)	The Keiskamma Altarpiece

Not every buyer can be in the happy position of acquiring a major piece of art but happily anyone can own smaller collector’s items, from cushion covers, samplers, aprons, and tote bags to specially commissioned tapestries and wall hangings.

As demand for smaller replicas from the Keiskamma Altarpiece and special commissions has grown, and with the increase in international and local outlets, the studios are very busy.  Yet with all this success the women cannot rest on their laurels and need constantly to develop their skills.

Artists from across the Continents come and offer their expertise in ceramics, doll making and felt work; all these newly acquired skills have been put to good use in developing commercial products and the creation of the larger exhibition works.

To maintain the standard of embroidery and to increase the stitch repertoire, every 6 months a three-day ‘Part One’ basic embroidery workshop is held.  The workshops concentrate on teaching and revising 6 basic stitches, and for those showing greater aptitude advanced techniques are taught, especially in preparation for new Art projects.  Groups of 7 women complete each course at the end of which they are tested and their work independently assessed by outside examiners.
Lyn Pearce in France and Margaret Charlton in Oxford

The standard is very high and the women take extraordinary pride in their work; the award ceremonies at the end of each course where certificates are presented are a marvellous highlight brimming with enthusiasm and commitment.

Proud students with their certificates

Highly prized are the gifts of silk threads, scissors and needles, modest sewing aids which give them great confidence, and encourage them to go forward to Part Two the following year.

The Keiskamma Trust is responsible for the welfare of over 80 women, and it aims to give women pride in themselves and their output, and so enable them to provide for themselves and their families. The studios they work in are not plush – with uncomfortable benches, one or two much prized tables, and no fancy air conditioning.  Recently with funds raised through work and donations, Keiskamma International Friends have helped build a new studio in Bodiam which provides the women with better working conditions which all helps to improve their self esteem.

Embroidery class	The new studio in Bodium

They came with nothing, but went away armed with knowledge and self confidence.
They have gained prestige and skills which they will profit from financially, and which can be passed on to the future generation.

Jackie Jezewski

August 2007

added 10.12.07