Italian artist Matthew Pugliese create sculptures with overwelming emotion and creativity. His work has taken the world by storm and can be found in several galleries in all the big countries. I, for one, fell in love with the incredibly prominent lines of the figures. Each one tells a story that penetrates deep into my thoughts. His sculptures are not resticted by space, gravity or proportion. This unique way of expression is something that can't be tought. Using sketches as a starting point, he then transformes these into threedimensional sculptures with carefully rendered facial expressions that evoke the pure and intelligent soul of mankind.. A definite two-thumbs-up from me!

 

Hot Spot: Village Market @ Cape Quater

Warmer weather is our cue to explore the worlds of food, wine, creativity and design. The Village Market @ Cape Quarter is just the place for that. From crêpes dripping with chocolate to a more healthy vegetarian dish, I can't think of anyone that'll be left feeling unsatisfied.

The enticing, local cuisine is enough to make any mouth water. Especially the sushi from Hamachi Zushi. So skilfully crafted, it almost looks too good to eat!

Make sure to check them out @ www.facebook.com/hamachizushi

or phone 078 972 6972.

Another delicious dessert on the menu was heart shaped Dutch waffles. These are made on the spot so you can fall in love with the warm taste as it melts in your mouth.

Among the many sweet temptations are these pre packed savoury foods. A wide range of sauces, bars and burgers. To get more info visit jarryd@veegfoods.com or follow them on twitter @veegofoods.

Do the words chocolate mousse cupcakes, carrot cake or bulking brownies send your taste buds tingling? Well, then you better try these heavenly treats before they dwindle away in the hands of other customers. That cake had my name on it. But sure enough, after I'd made my rounds and come back to declare what's mine – every single slice was sold. Don't make the same mistake I did!

Oh, and did I mention the talented musicians and gorgeous coffee guys? This diverse market in the heart of Cape Town is not to be missed. Grab your hubby, auntie or best friend and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Cape Quarter. It's the only way to spend your sunny Sunday morning.

Bent Objects

I was doing some research the other day when I came across this priceless blog, www.bentobjects.blogspot.com. I think these projects by Terry Border are phenomenal and so creative. The minute I saw these pictures I kept thinking – I just have to share them! Who would have thought that these ordinary objects could be modified into art with a few pieces of bent wires? This has definitely inspired me to take a look at the things we usually take for granted. Art is never limited to pen and paper.

Marchand for Van Coke Kartel

The CD cover design & 18 page booklet for SA rock band Van Coke Kartel’s newly released album Wie’s Bang? Is one of Merwe Marchand le Roux’s latest designs. Behind such an astounding product, I'm sure, lies a process with much dedication and detail.

“I started by taking photos around my room and mashing them up into a photo collage of a skull. I incorporated embroidery to make the image of the skull softer for the mass market. I used a spot UV to do the same with the illustration of the skull over the faces.” The photos are by Jaco “Snakehead” Venter.

 

 A series of Van Coke Kartel comic books, entitled “Wie’s Bang?” was also released. “Wie’s Bang?” is part of the launch campaign of Van Coke Kartel’s forthcoming album, and is the brainchild of art director Marais Janse van Rensburg, of interactive advertising agency WonderMutt. “We did a TV commercial with Van Coke Kartel for another advertising agency last year, to be entered into the Loeries Awards, and the band agreed to do it at no charge. I then undertook to contribute to the band’s next album launch campaign if the ad won. The rest is history, and this year we came up with the idea for a comic book centred around Van Coke Kartel, which will lead up to the album’s launch.

The series follows Van Coke Kartel as they get drawn into a deserted bar in the Karoo. Little do they know that the whole place is a hang-out for vampires. After getting very drunk, the guys are attacked and turned into vampires themselves.

They meet the ghost of Kurt Cobain, who tells the band that the only way they can re-capture their souls is to produce Van Coke Kartel’s greatest album ever before the year is up!

The team working on the Wie’s Bang? project comprises Marais Janse van Rensburg and Lohan Grobler from Proud Creations who are responsible for the basic story line, whilst Stefanus Nel and Griff (godfather of Zef from WatKykJy? fame) are the project’s writers. The illustrations are done collectively by Says Who, Merwe Marchand, Louis Minnaar and Proud Creations. “Working with Van Coke Kartel was really humbling, and makes me feel bad about complaining about long working hours,” says Marais. “Their endurance and work ethic is phenomenal. They are the most professional artists I have ever worked with, and it is with good reason that they have reached the top.”