I came across Safari Fusion on Twitter and fell in love. Safari Fusion is an online store which brings to Australia a refreshing, bold and unique collection of contemporary African arts and crafts. Each handcrafted piece tells a story and creates conversation, but more importantly keeps these exquisite art forms and traditional skills of Africa’s artisans evolving. Founder Kellie Shearwood is a Melbournian who fell in love with Africa on her first visit in the early 1990s. For years Kellie worked in various jobs in the travel industry and ended up working for luxury Safari company Abercrombie & Kent as Product Manager for Africa. As Product Manager, she designed itineraries and regularly traveling to Africa researching new destinations, staying in the most amazing lodges and camps in places such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Botswana. Her love for travel adventures in Africa grew into a deep appreciation for the artistic talents of its people, the amazing arts and crafts, the incredible architecture and interior design. Her love translated into purchasing amazing pieces which filled her home. So in 2009, Kellie channelled her love of Africa and started Safari Fusion.
I think Shearwood’s approach of showcasing Africa is just beautiful. It’s a new kind of aesthetic. An aesthetic people don’t commonly associate Africa with.
I hope one day Safari Fusion becomes a physical store, because it would be an amazing visual concept!
SOURCE: THE DESIGN FILES & SAFARI FUSION
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