T.I.A is the well-known South African saying for the slow service and ridiculous shenaigans that happen in daily life.

African carved masks

However, this YshLondoner was inspired by the textiles and textures of Southern Africa that I discovered along my travels. Funnily enough, patchwork and quilting was frequently seen this year amidst the tacky tourist souvenirs; has the UK's 'Quilt' mania reached South Africa?

Starting in Zimbabwe, traditional african art is very important as a decorative feature. Carved wooden african masks are highly representative of African history and although these masks are modern representations, you can easily see the amount of detailed work that each mask has.

Wood is choosen carefully for colour and grain and traditional scenes are often carved in as well as three dimensional relief for decoration. Originally the masks were used as a warning to others and the carved details would have told stories of massacre and the reliefs used as frightening depictions of the person behind the mask.

Woven baskets are also used for decoration, although these have very little purposes except decorative; the craft communities have evolved through tourists wishing to purchase traditional african woven merchandise. These basket weaves are made from very few colours are extraordinary in terms of time and repetitive techniques invested in the pieces, and the use of few colours to emphasises the craftsmanship.

African weaving

Next, in the heart of the South African countryside, a canyon sweeps across 26 kilometres of Mpumalanga (where the sun rises). The fantastic vistas in and around the canyon rouses some fantastic inspirations: the bold colours are stunning. The reds within the rocks are so bright you couldn't imagine it to be natural. I could immediately see these palettes and reliefs translated into some knitted textiles samples!

Blyde River Canyon has superbe colours

Further along the canyon is Bourke's Luck pot holes. As dull as pot holes and escarpments can be, these are of particular interest due to the amazing history seen within the rock; the unique markings and glorious colours left after millions of years of wearing away.

Two rivers meet and the force of the waters coming together form circular motions grinding away at the rock, creating curios, almost perfect circular pot holes.  Amazingly, it looks like every year of wear and tear leaves its mark along the rock facia, including various colours and residues such as lichen.

Bourke's Luck Pot Holes

In traditional South African history, this natural phenomenon was used to pan for gold!

And finally, when in Africa you must 'Safari'. Here are some gorgeous prints, textures and inspiring images from the wild. Be inspired!

Giraffe

Kudu, African game

African Elephant's rough and wrinkled skin, beautiful texture

Gorgeous sunset on the Zambezi river - Zimbabwe