For the collaboration, Zizipho transferred her tactile knowledge of surface finishing to two unique espresso cups. This collaboration between Zizipho and Trenery creation is the ethos of artisanal appreciation and diligent design.
What are the main life elements that inspire your work?
I love interior design, growing up my mom collected interior design magazines and House & Garden was one of them. I always imagine my work in beautiful spaces, I guess it’s also because my pieces are collected by people who create those kinds of spaces. I’m obsessed about colour, texture, form & pattern and this comes from my Textile design background. I also draw inspiration from my Xhosa culture, my uMthwalo series.
How has your journey been as an artist?
It has not been easy; it’s been full of sacrifices but they have definitely paid off. I’m very happy and thank God for my achievements so far. Imiso has been in business for 13 years and my work is bought by top collectors locally and internationally. I am also represented by one of the best galleries in Africa, Southern Guild through them my work has recently been acquired by one of the most prestigious museums in the world, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and exhibit my work in PAD London, Salon New York and Design Miami.
Can you share the inspiration behind your recent collaboration with Trenery Guild?
My love for fashion and textile design came naturally, I wanted something to complement Trenery’s clean style. I was inspired by Trenery’s October collection. I designed a unique set of two expresso cups. The pieces are hand-made, each piece went through over 10 different stages of production and finished them with my hand-pinching style. The pieces are one of a kind.
Regarding all your works and projects, is there a specific one that you feel a greater love and attachment to?
Each collection and project are very special to me and I bring out the best in everything I do so I find it hard to choose.
What is the meaning behind IMISO?
Imiso is derived from the isiXhosa word ‘Ngomso’ meaning ‘Tomorrow’ ‘the future’ we think of it as plural and assign ‘Better tomorrows for our future generations’ to its meaning and in the stories, we tell through our work.
