Thursday 28 September 2017

Namibia - where I drew my inspiration

So as a fabric designer, naturally I wanted to make some beautiful fabric and cushions or "namibie Kussen" for anyone who had been there and loved it.

SO I have a range... and hopefully it does justice.
Here are some more cushions (or canvas or prints) and the story behind...





I have lots more to share of my travels to Namibia and very awesome places to stay, and the places are generally very special without blowing the budget in a way you don't need to .

Traveling around Namibia

A few years ago I set off on a drive to Namibia. I had never been before and had only heard "Namibia will take your breath away". And it certainly did. What struck me the most, was how in the landscape of soft hues and gentle tints of colour, a simple tree or Oryx stands out so beautifully.  You want to stop every kilometre to photograph a new everchanging landscape.

We drove from Johannesburg via Augrabies . DO make a stop at the QUIVER TREE forest. Magnificent. I love trees, and one thing about Namibia , they are all different ... and interesting!



The Quiver Tree Forest makes for beautiful Black and White images...


We couldn't believe this old sign, a real "sign of the times "
 First Night was at Fish River Canyon, where we stayed nearby in these stunning cave rooms.
Pack a cooler box and a chair and watch the sunset at this breath taking place.


We awoke to this sky...




Below is an example of four horizons in one day...
ANd how you are going to want to stop and photograph the magnificent simplicity.










I really new I had arrived when the roads looked like this ....





Look out for the funky vintage car wrecks in Namibia...





I have to post some of those trees I keep on about !









If you would like to know of some awesome places to stay, please email me at info@cathyjoubert.com.
I will most more as soon as I can!

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Beautiful Knysna

I made it to Knysna about 1 month before the devasting fires of 2017. And I am so lucky I had a chance to capture it in all its beauty. If you are a bird watcher, then get up early and head to the lagoon at Leisure Isle...


If you traveling with your dog, then Knysna is a must. Lots of pet friendly places to visit, and the dog walking park is probably the best in the world... water, grass , birds and friendly people.




 The beautiful Knysna forest...

















A trip around South Africa - looking for inspiration!


There is nothing quite like a storm in the Karoo!


 Wildebeest outside Clarens.... take one of those "game drives" , they park outside the coffee shop. it was really well worth it and the light on the surrounding rocks was incredible.
 I found myself on a little farm in Middelberg, Karoo. Miley wasn't happy with the thorns... and refused to get out the car!


 I stayed at the "Die Overlander" just outside Bloemfontein... what a stunning place. Looooong story with biting meerkats, but I won't tell it now. Best meal ever, no doubt. Amazing staff.
Even took me on a tractor drive!

A long walk on a farm after a day in the car.





THe beautiful plants and succulents and cactii.

THis is sheep farming country and , sorry to say, the Karoo lamb is OUT OF THIS WORLD.
Of course I didnt eat these sweet little things.



Approaching Colesburg and its famous koppies. The nothingness is the somethingness.