THE GREAT WEAVE | LAMU, KENYA
In the late summer I went on the wildest trip I’ve ever taken: my first journey to Africa.
The powerful, awe-inspiring mother continent had been calling me for many years, and I wanted to use my intuition to guide me on where to begin and where to land. I had discovered Lamu, a corner of Kenya that had been secret and mostly unknown until recently - through the pictures of woman I love following on instagram, Sandy Bornman. Her many captures and photographs of the island, completely filled me with inspiration and an uncontrollable wanderlust. What is this place, with its many cultures, its many stories, its historical buildings and crafts? I just had to go and see it. I knew that this was going to be an amazing place to immerse myself into, to observe and create from. A while after my first interest in this adventure started, I got connected with Lamu House - a beautiful hotel in the heart of Lamu Town. We talked about going there and creating art. It was something incredible to look forward to.
A few weeks passed… I landed, and finally saw it with my own eyes.
A totally unusual place.
No cars. Just many, many donkeys everywhere and few mopeds along the coastal path. Narrow, old streets.
Scents of all kinds, some of which were not very pleasant. Many people, from many cultures and many walks of life, bringing with them their own rituals and religious rites from Muslim, Hindu and Swahili ways, simply co-existing. You could hear a muezzin prayer five times a day, feeling the busy daily life in this place where locals move between the mosque, the market, their work, their fishing and their family life. Sumptuous crafts everywhere and in every corner. Incredible craftsmanship and artisans, their skills marking the beautiful carved wooden doors, the weaved detail in traditional basketry, the unique wall nooks, courtyards and architectural features of the many historical buildings. It was like going back in time, to an old world and all of its wonder. You can feel that this town is in fact, the oldest one in East Africa.
My time on Lamu has been tumultuous, strange, vivid, and warm. Something that I can’t quite quantify.
I had a few really tough days while I was there, that brought me to drop into my root space. But it almost didn’t matter as I left the door of creation wide open. My intention express my experience through art was what guided me. It was a necessity to heal, to ground and properly integrate into this place. This state of consciousness feels parallel. It transcends pain and pleasure and all dualities. It’s bewildering to notice that even when I may be suffering in my human body and experience, that place of receptivity and channeling is still accessible. That I am a vessel for expression to come through.
I wanted to create a piece as an ode to the fusion of cultures and people in Lamu. Upon travelling here, one notices how many different languages, religions, mindsets become one on this island. They do not just co-exist. They weave into each other, like the threads of a traditional basket, or a woven reed mat. Every stroke in my vision, moving up and down, would represent this great weave.
My vision of started taking shape as I searched for materials that honour and reflect what is local to the area.
A durable cotton fabric, traditionally used for sailboats, would act as the surface. Black kenyan tea (which the locals prefer to coffee) would become a staining ink. The natural lime plaster, ever present through the island’s architecture, was applied for its expressive texture.
Inviting you to watch the video of this experience and creation.
