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world of mass production, our handcrafted pieces stand out," he says. "They carry the stories and skills of our people." And indeed, Dimba's designs extend beyond aesthetic appeal; they are a lifeline for many in his community. "Most of the people I work with are unemployed women with children. By teaching them these crafts, they not only gain a skill but also a sense of purpose and hope. When you see these women at exhibitions, their participation is so much more than monetary. It motivates them and evokes their artistic sides, inspiring them to create more." In an area with scarce employment opportunities, his empowering projects also provide much-needed income. "It's significant because even while looking for work, they still need transport money to get to town. By bringing work to their homes, we eliminate that barrier." With a big smile that has accompanied our entire conversation, Dimba concludes: "Weaving our traditions into modern design environments is a way to ensure they are never forgotten. It's about creating something that honors our past while embracing our future."
Beer is a major element of the Zulu people's social culture. Their women have been brewing it longer than history remembers. To this day, traditional homemade brews make a ubiquitous treat for weddings and all kinds of celebrations. "The Zulu beer pot is still a functional container in our culture," he explains. "By integrating it into modern glass vases, I preserve its traditional significance, at the same time making it relevant to today's interiors." TRADITION IN A TELEPHONE WIRE Dimba's design concepts are deeply rooted in the practices he observed and learned as a child. "I came across telephone wire weaving, a craft I remembered from my childhood," he says. "Seeing how these household objects could be integrated into modern design spaces was a revelation." This method later became a cornerstone of his creative work, an unexpected channel for transcending traditional crafts into luxury products. "I buy the glass vases and the telephone wire, and then the local women weave around them," he says. "It's a way to integrate their skills into my designs while keeping the cultural essence intact." This dedication to community and culture also makes his work genuinely unique. "In a
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“In a world of mass production, our handcrafted pieces stand out. They carry the stories and skills of our people.”
- BRIGHT DIMBA
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