EP 4 Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri | Talks exploring the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and bringing true sustainable value to artisanal communities

Nov 5, 2020

This is episode #4 where I am joined by object designer and academic Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri.

ABOUT Pam:

Pam is a multi-award-winning accessories designer, educator, and author, with her own label called Vanhu Vamwe. Her experiences of working with artisans and feeling personally part of the problem of exploiting vulnerable communities led Pam to study a PhD where she could explore the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and how to make the process better by bringing true, sustainable value to these communities.

 

We talk about:

• The struggle with having too many ideas, choosing what to focus on, and managing her time will juggling multiple projects
• The creativity of discipline
• Quitting her job and going back to university to study fashion
• Not being allowed  to explore her creativity as a child, and the changing attitudes to pursuing a creative career particularly for those from an African background
• The role of culture and the futuristic aspect of her designs
• Her thoughts on cultural appropriation and finding common ground
• How sustainable design shows up in her work and the need to be transparent in her work with different cultures
• The difference between partnerships and collaboration
• How your attitude shapes your work
• Doing her country proud, and being recognised as a designer and not just a black designer
• How accountability partners and her faith help to keep her grounded
• Publishing a book
• How she challenges herself to grow and develop her craft
  
  

 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Loughborough University
Nottingham Trent Design School
Abury
A Woman with No Country

 

Where you can go to find out more about Pam and her work:

Vanhu Vanmwe

 

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast 

 

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