Tribal Textiles - People of the Cloth

Today I am blogging about textiles, in particular, African textiles. It has been almost twenty five years  since I saw my first piece of Kuba cloth, and I still love it.  I'm not exactly sure what draws me to it, but I feel a strong connection to these pieces of art. Here is a little of what I've learned along the way.

The Kuba tribes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been making their ceremonial cloth on simple wooden looms for the past four hundred years. Their weaving is considered to be among the highest forms of African art. In the past, the cloth was traded as currency. Today, these striking graphic textiles remain an important part of the culture of the Bumbal (people of the cloth) as dowry offerings, ceremonial costumes and burial rituals. According to their spiritual beliefs, the dead are dressed in raffia cloth so they can be recognized by their relatives in the next life.

Making the cloth is a collaborative effort by men and women of the same clan. The palm raffia is harvested by the men, and pounded while it is wet to achieve a fiber soft enough to be woven. Once the panels are completed, they are cut from the loom and the women embellish them with applique, patchwork and embroidery. Kuba cloth is made in small panels called Mbal, or long panels used for ceremonial skirts.

Long panels can range up to thirty feet or longer

There are hundreds of styles and sub-styles, but each panel is a unique interpretation based on colors and patterns of the region.  It is the women who make the prized Kaisai velvet, or velour cloth.  The design is stitched on the raffia and cut to form a dense velvet pile.

It was in the early 1900's when African traders brought the first Kuba cloth to the West. Artists such as Henri Matisse, Picasso and Paul Klee were inspired by the simple repetitive patterns and bold geometry of these vibrant works.  By the late 1980's the supply coming out of the Congo had diminished.

Photo courtesy of Woody Collin

Today the Kuba wear modern clothing, but the cloth is still being made for special rituals and export. Present day production made for export is generally of lesser quality, and collectors prefer textiles dating from the early 19th to the mid 20th century.

Say CHEESE

I must admit that as much as I enjoy cheese, I find myself buying the same old reliable cheddar, swiss or brie. It's time to expand my palate, and explore the world of epicurean cheese. So I headed to Antonelli's, a small mom and pop cheese shop in Hyde Park next door to the Hyde Park Bar and Grill on Duval Street.

Fromage et pain est medecin au sain- French Proverb

(Bread and cheese is medicine for the well)

Owners John and Kendall Antonelli are living their dream.  While on their honeymoon, John told his new bride that he wanted to do something with cheese.  Two years later they opened Antonelli's and have developed a loyal following.  When asked what is the best thing about being a cheesemonger, John replied, "Sharing amazing cheese with amazing people".

There is no attitude here; just a friendly staff eager to share their knowledge and provide great customer service.  They are happy to let you sample the cheeses, finding the flavors and textures you prefer; and, you will leave knowing a little something about what you are buying.  If you need some wine to pair with your cheese, Antonelli's has a nice selection; as well as quality charcuterie, Marcona almonds from Spain, gourmet chocolate, truffled honey, olives and pate.

Owners Kendall and John Antonelli

               The Scoop


Cheese 101 classes are offered every Wednesday evening.  Classes are limited to eight people - call ahead for reservations.
(512) 531.9610 
AntonellisCheese.com


May 3rd Antonelli's is partnering with Asti's for a special seven course dinner prepared by chef Jason Donoho featuring pasta alfredo inside a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggianno.  OMG!!  


Limited seating -  call Asti's for reservations (512) 451.1218


                                                  

Claudia Reese - Creative Spirit

When thinking of creative inspiration, I think of Claudia Reese. To say that Claudia is a ceramic artist does not begin to do her justice. I am in awe of her talent, and from the moment I laid eyes on her work, I was hooked.

It had been awhile since I had seen Claudia, and I was looking forward to catching up with her over lunch, and seeing what was new at her Westlake studio, Cera-Mix. Each time I drive through the gates of her compound I am enchanted by the whimsical sculpture and architectural pieces that she has created as part of this rustic landscape.  

platter photo by Matt Bice

Her artistic spirit is everywhere.  She has incorporated her colorful design tiles throughout her eco-friendly home, gardens, fountains and koi pond.  Even the inventive rain catchers covered in ceramic shards are functional works of art.  Inside her studio the long wooden tables are covered with slabs of gray clay. Huge platters painted in vibrant patterns hang high on the walls. Shelves are stacked chock-a-block with piles of cups, bowls, plates and tiles.  Falling in love with Claudia’s pottery is easy; choosing which pieces to buy is nearly impossible. I want them all!

One of my favorite Reese's pieces

Claudia’s creative spirit extends beyond her studio. She gives her time and talent to help organizations like the Empty Bowl Project to feed the hungry. I’m inspired. 

This Mother’s Day weekend May 7th and 8th, Claudia will be hosting the annual Art of the Pot Event in her studio.  Details at www.artofthepot.com

Cera-Mix Studio is open to the public by appointment only.

Treasure Hunting Texas Style

Whimsical old carousel horse looking for new home

It’s springtime in Texas, and to antique lovers, that means Round Top. The tiny town
of Round Top, Texas, population 71, roughly halfway between Houston and Austin, is ground zero for anyone buying, selling or swapping antiques.

The bluebonnets are putting on their show, and the fields and barns are filled to capacity
with dealers from as far away as Maine. The two-lane country road leading to Round Top
is lined with tents and stalls that are more flea market than antique market. It’s a bargain hunter’s paradise overflowing with collectibles of every sort, from architectural pieces to vintage kitsch.

The multi-dealer indoor shows like The Red Barn and Rifleman’s Hall offer rare decorative

You could do some amazing boot-scootin' in these red hot retro boots

items, jewelry, rugs, art and high-end Americana furniture and accessories. Long before the show begins buyers are lined up waiting for the doors to open. It is early morning and the ground is still wet with dew. Standing with steaming cups of coffee and water bottles, they exchange stories about yesterday’s finds. You can feel the adrenalin as the doors finally swing open and they rush inside scouring the artfully decorated booths for something that catches their eye.

As the day wears on, even the most ardent shopper can no longer resist the smell of barbecue that trails through the warm air. Time to take a break over a heaping plate of Central Texas style ribs and smoked sausage, and discuss the game plan for the rest of the day.

After another three or four hours of trekking through the tents and fields, it might be time
to head over to Bud Royer’s Round Top Cafe on the Main Square. Bud is famous for his pies. What better way to end the day than with a slice of homemade peach or apple pie, a la mode of course!

Happy hunting, y’all.

Tips:

If you missed the April show, no worry. The Round Top Antiques Fair is held twice a year. The fall show is the first weekend in October.

The Round Top Chamber of Commerce is a great source for local lodging. Their website also has a list of the antique venues with their contact information. www.roundtop.org

Make your room reservations as early as possible, preferably months before the next show.

There are outside venues that set up weeks before the official opening weekend.

Most dealers do not accept credit cards. They will take your personal check, but cash is king.

There are shipping services on-site that will pack and deliver a single piece of furniture or all of your purchases.

Stock your car with bubble wrap and blankets to protect breakables.