Andile Dyalvane
Andile Dyalvane
Image: Supplied

The one indulgence you would never forgo? A cold beer in celebration of a day’s hard work; better yet, having one or two with good friends in support of local South African business. When I support my friend Lethu Shabangu, a craft-brewing alchemist, I feel part of the success. His Ukhamba Beerworx in Woodstock is a few blocks away from my studio.

What are your essential grooming and treatment balms, lotions, and potions? Swazi Naturals raw shea butter products, again in support of a small local business that can be found at a local monthly market Inxwala Slow Market in association with Ukhamba Beerworx at The Palms in Woodstock, Cape Town.

Which tech gadget couldn’t you live without? My iPhone 6 Plus. I like playing music while I am working or cooking, taking images, finding directions, and sharing my trips on social media.

What is your most sentimental and important object? It would without a doubt be the loose typewriter keys, that I was given by Alexis, my wife of 10 years.

What is your drink of choice? A craft beer called State Capture brewed at Ukhamba Beerworx. It’s a sly beer, with flavours of lightly roasted barley and youthfully matured yeast. I say it’s sly, because it reminds you of itself the morning after, and makes you appreciate that you had a good time.

Where do you eat out? Ocean Jewels at the Woodstock Exchange. It has the best tuna, salmon, noodle, and soy-honey dishes.

What is the single element of your wardrobe that signifies your sense of style? I spent some time in Swaziland (now eSwatini) a few years ago, and bought printed fabric at Manzini market. An amazing elderly man, a brilliant tailor, took my measurements and within an hour made the best pants I have ever worn.

What was the last object that you instantly fell in love with? I recently spent time with a friend from Nigeria, Tunde Owolabi, who owns a brand called Ethnik, creating accessories and shoe collections made from hand- and loom-woven fabrics and clan graphic patterns by weavers in Nigeria.

A watch brand you love? Swedish watch brand Daniel Wellington for its design aesthetic and consistent design sensibility. As most things Swedish, it expresses an expected excellence in craftsmanship. I don’t own a watch though.

The last place you travelled to that captured your heart? Santa Fe, New Mexico. The familiar feeling of home was so real and warmed my heart. It was spiritual, welcoming of culture, and there were lots of amazing traditional ceramics to explore. Architectural height and colour-palette limitations ensure that the landscape remains the least disturbed by human activity or presence, which, for me, says a lot about the respect people have there for the preservation of the spirit of the land and space they occupy. This informed parts of my latest collection Idladla showcased at the Southern Guild gallery in the Silo District, at the V&A Waterfront.

What books can we find on your bedside table? Of Water and Spirit by Patrice Malidoma. I am reading Song of the Stars by Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa.

Do you remember the last meal that really blew you away? A home-cooked meal at friends who run a small food business making traditional Xhosa cuisine, called Mnganam Foods. I had deboned beef trotters, which delivered a melting-in-your-mouth absolutely perfectly cooked satisfaction, with sides of lentil and umngqusho (corn and beans) salad and Ukhamba Utywala sorghum beer.

Which musician really appeals to you at the moment? Ali Farka Touré: beautiful sound from Mali. The sound is similar to country blues, except it feels transcendent in a nomad, desert-travelling sort of way.

What’s next on your list of must-have items? A drone for my birthday. I’d love to see and capture images from a different perspective and fly it to our neighbouring village in the Eastern Cape.

What is the one item you’ll always find in your fridge? Blue cheese. The best gift you’ve been given recently? Ceramic works given to my wife and I in Gulgong, Mudgee District in Australia by locally based ceramists Peter Cameron and Tracy Dickason.

A gift you’ve recently bought for someone? Water colour paints, paint brushes, and a sketchbook for my wife. She is amazing — I saw her painting using a feather that she picked up — so I knew this gift would bring her happiness.

Which place inspires and rejuvenates you? Home: Ngobozana Village in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape. My family and the landscape fill me with spirit soul food.

What was the last item of clothing that you added to your wardrobe? A pair of black trousers by local South African brand Good Good Good: they are super comfortable and well made.

Your favourite city? Santa Fe, New Mexico: it really feels like a place that could be a second home.

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