Out of Africa

Patrick Mavros is a self-taught sculptor and silversmith. Although harrowing, his story is beautifully simplistic; born and raised in what was then Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, Mavros fought in the Rhodesian army. Injured and out of action Mavros found himself carving earrings for his wife Catja from Ivory. So popular was the gift that he began taking orders and so the story goes and a business was born.

Adopting for a more sustainable material- silver, and more pragmatic methods of production such as lost-wax casting, Mavros' signature designs are captured in magnificent sculptures inducing the beauty of his beloved african surroundings.

Patrick looks like any other middle aged man. His appearance is not suggestive of wealth nor hard times. To meet this man would be awe inspiring I'm sure. the family home doubles up as a wildlife sanctuary, a gallery and a workshop where the community gathers and locals can be trained and employed.

what differentiates Mavros' work in a land full of creativity and life is perhaps the brains behind it. Africa in renowned for it's colourful eclectic mix of prints and pottery but these intricate, exquisitely carved pieces offer a contemporary alternative and Patrick Mavros is all too aware of the commercial possibilities.

Prints Please!

Our purses aren’t flush at the moment but does this mean our wardrobes should look just as drab? The origins of this post may be fashion inspired but the concept could be applied to many aspects of our lives....

Going back to basics where our clothes are concerned must act as some form of psychological solution to the guilt we feel when purchasing the non-essentials! Why should basic be boring? Of course a collection’s commercial viability is paramount and it makes good business sense to produce something that’s safe and saleable in the current economic climate, but in my opinion the companies opting for the 'safe' should re-visit their client base and ask themselves if 'basic' is what their customer's

I say we should be encouraging people to look on the bright side of life by introducing colour and print to their lives! Mind you, I’m not entirely sure people need encouraging, do we really

In a bid to support my passion for print I spent my pocket money on some printed hareem trousers from Topshop this week. These trousers are possibly the best I’ve bought in years. Forget the style and the fit, the print makes these trousers an effortlessly stylish addition to my wardrobe and makes me feel like I've injected a little high fashion into my life on a budget!

Very uplifting

Are you in need of some midweek inspiration? I stumbled upon this great quote from Daniel Burnham an American architect born in the 19th century which might just do the trick.