Absolutely Brilliant! - Authentic African Interior Design

Imba Yehvu invests in African design talent to enrich Cape Town with original interior designs

Nothing great in the world can be accomplished without passion. It is passion that drives us to follow a path that will lead us to success and happiness. Local metal sculptor and interior designer, Brilliant Horongwi is using his incredible passion for art to follow his path in life. Brilliant is pursuing his dream of expanding his budding interior design business that is already wowing Capetonians and international visitors.

But often, despite great amounts of passion and dedication, artists struggle without a support structure. After meeting Brilliant 5 years ago, CapeTownMagazine.com's founder Marc Zandhuis took the decision to start a social project to assist local designers like Brilliant.

Imba Yehvu, which means 'House of the Soil', was started in 2004 during a meeting between Marc Zandhuis, and three artists -- Brilliant Horongwi and brothers Richard and Shawn Zindoga.

Although their designs were brilliant, the three welding sculptors from Zaka in Zimbabwe were struggling to get their business off the ground. The three designers faced problems with quality finishing and the ability to maintain continuity in their artwork. CapeTownMagazine.com realised that by tripling the quality of their art, they can triple their income, and so triple their quality of living. The improvement of their tools, designs and living environment was essential, and thus Imba Yehvu was born.

Now, 5 years on, Brilliant is going it alone and has continued to work with support from Molo. He is even more determined to share his art and his talent with the world. "You need to be strong and be passionate, and anything can happen, "says Brilliant, "I always believe, there's nothing I can't do, I can make anything."

The sculptures of Imba Yehvu are now featured in PR agencies and offices of financial companies in Europe, guesthouses like Allegria in Stellenbosch, 3 Flavours in Pringle Bay, and Bickley House in Sea Point, and trendy restaurants like Long Street Café and overseas restaurants such as Mama Africa in Zurich.

When asked about his future in interior design, Brilliant talks candidly about the plans he has and where he hopes his business will take him. "My wish is to have a big workshop, with reliable machines and to fill lots of bulk orders and overseas orders, also to have many regular customers," he explained. "I can make anything; masks, big 5 sculptures, animal heads, butterflies, flowers, even beds! I can also make something special for customers; their own designs to order."

Brilliant's plans also include a dream to help others; "I would also love to open a big workshop and teach people who are also passionate about art to help themselves and use their own hands," he said.

Brilliant now also sells his creations at the Somerset West Country Craft Market every last Saturday of every month as well as the Kirstenbosch Garden craft market the last Sunday of every month.

With an almost electric smile Brilliant explains that he wouldn't dream of doing anything else in the world "I am happiest when I make something, whenever I am doing it I say life is worth it. Not all about money, making these things is something that is in me and I am proud of it."

Visit the mini gallery at the sustainable shopping mall 210 on Long in Long Street or have a coffee at Long Street Café across the street to view some of the sculptures on exhibit.

Contact CapeTownMagazine.com on
+27 (0)21 422 2444  or +27(0)73-2173979 for more information.

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