Seychellois artisans to showcase local craftsmanship at Monaco event
Two Seychellois artisans, Ridley Rose and Tony Souffe, yesterday received their plane tickets for Monaco, where they will exhibit and promote their made-in-Seychelles artifacts under the Prince Albert II Protect Aldabra Foundation.
The two tickets for the event, which will raise fund for Aldabra, have been sponsored by the National Arts and Crafts Council (NACC) and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).
Chief executive of the NACC, Jimmy Savy, officially handed over the two air tickets yesterday afternoon at the NACC headquarters.
Director for Craft Development within the NACC, Benoit Julius, explained that Monaco chose the two artisans and it will be a perfect opportunity for the country, while it also shows local artisans how far one can get in the industry. He noted that the craft steering committee looks into the interest of the local artisans and organises different programmes.
Mr Julius explained that there is a document entitled ‘Status of the Arts’ drafted by the NACC to assess the state of handicrafts in Seychelles that will soon be presented to potentially act as a national policy for artisans. He said it contains propositions and suggestions, while another suggestion is the exportation of the local products to further promote Seychelles.
Messrs Rose and Souffe will leave the country on Monday, while the event will start on June 28. They are expected back on July 2.
Mr Souffe, who has also to design the fabrics for the Miss Seychelles beauty pageant, said it is an extreme pleasure and honour, even if, at first, he did not take it seriously, but eventually he accepted it. He explained that some of his works will be showcasing the work he does with material printing. “There are different colours of materials and different colours to work with,” he said, adding that he is taking some of the tropical colours, especially those that display Seychelles. He also noted that the opportunity will benefit the entire country, and not just him.
“This is not about me, but about representing Seychelles, which is different,” explained Mr Souffe, noting that there are things that your country is expecting from you and you have to deliver.
He also advises the youngsters who are interested in expressing themselves that art is not something that just remains in the country, but something global.
“I want to pave the way for the youth,” he added.
For his part, Mr Rose, who is representing Seychelles abroad for the third time, said this is the perfect opportunity for him to launch his latest products in Europe.
Mr Rose uses the kernel of the coco de mer to make his products. This is referred to as coco de mer kernel carving.
“Nobody else does this in Seychelles,” he said, adding that they are only using the shell and throwing the inside of the coco de mer away, or exporting it.
Mr Rose uses the kernel to make various products such as leaves, birds and the coco de mer itself, while he will also be promoting the giant tortoises of Seychelles as it is of paramount importance to the country.
Courtesy: Nation.sc