Creativity As A Skill

The creative skill is usually expressed and applied in a visual form through a diverse range of human activities to communicate or to make a statement.

I recently took to the streets to observe various works of creativity to learn about the inspiration behind this creativity.

Caption: Handmade Bags and Clothing (Table Mountain Market)

This stall belongs to a Malawian guy (Joseph) who collects fabric and material from all over the African continent to design bags and clothing. This genre of design is referred to as Fashion Design and it is a form of art dedicated to the creation of clothing and other lifestyle accessories. These garments, jewelry and handbags fall under the “ready-to-wear” category of fashion design. Ready-to-Wear collections are standard sized, which means that they are not custom made, so they are made available to the general public.

Caption: Large Mural Painting on a Wall

Featured here is a group of young graphic designers painting a large mural on a wall as part of an event to promote a shoe customisation for the Levels Brand Weekend event that was organised by the Boaston Society -a lifestyle and clothing store.  This store is known for selling rare clothing items as well as local emerging brands.  

A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. The architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture such as with this painting which was originally painted on a large canvas which then was transferred to the wall.

Caption:  Body Art/ Adornment

Also on our streets is the growing trend of tattoos. Tattoos have become a modification of the traditional Henna body art that was practiced by the Hindi people. Henna is normally worn by women of all ages for special occasions but it is not permanent.

Tatoos on the other hand are permanent and you would have to go through extreme laser treatments to take it off which could be costly and sometimes painful. Historically, tattoos were created to beautify as well as to proclaim bravery, group solidarity or independence and they are now a regular part of everyday society.

Many people say that tattoos are an addiction, so once you get your first one, you’ll want to go for more. Body adornment continues to transform, with new generations learning the art and adding unique flavours to the art as they represent the change in time and place as well as individual aesthetics.

Caption: Braided Hair Styles

In Cape Town, exists a numerous number of hair salons that do braids. Braiding is a weaving and plaiting techniques which is currently a popular form of beautification across the African continent. Both women and young men seek different designs based on the individual’s request and personality.

Now in urban settings, braided hair is ubiquitous and a reflection of the globalisation of hair styling options for many African women and men.

They come in many different plaiting patterns, the most commonly known basic braids are:

Cornrows

Box Braid

Pony Tail

Twists

Hottex Braid

Newer Personified Styles include:

Mohawk Braid up-do

Combo: Braids + Curls

French Style Braid

Braid Crowns

For more on the trending braiding hair styles visit: http://bit.ly/1mCOHuE