ARTISTS
3 GENERATIONS OF GHANAIAN WOMEN X ODE TO A
Black matter because black matter. We know you care, but the inequality we see in the world still persists. We look for connectivity in collectivity – it is in awareness we rise, but in action we evolve.
From the grounds of Ghana, these cups envision hope in your hands. The clay comes directly from the Volta River lands, shapes are formed in the hands of women. Strong women. Three generations of Ghanaian women who create every cup by experience, not by design. It’s the act of evolution. Of trust. And it means no cup is the same.
And, we like to share with you that it takes them 4 days to create 1 cup. The last step of the process is putting the matter into the fire. It is the most challenging step, since the cup can break. That happens when the fire is too intense or the matter too vulnerable. And then, they break down the entire cup to start all over again. So what you feel in your hands is the strength of the strongest.
The matter is 100% natural and healthy in the core — adding nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and sulfur to your drinks. And a little more: You can put the cups in the oven, in the microwave, on the fire.
With every cup you buy, 3% is given back to their business. The women told us what they need most to survive their local business. That is building a shelter, so that they can dry their ceramics during the rainy season.
BLACK MATTER BECAUSE BLACK MATTER
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Komla S. Darku (photography GH), Anna van der Velde (art direction), Lieve Eek (photography NL), Miezelien Galema
