Refocus

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo PHOTOS David Ross, David Pastoll

Here at VISI, we love it when individuals who are superbly talented in their field try their hand at something completely different, and succeed – like two of our favourite photographers, David Ross and David Pastoll, who are branching out into design.

Driven by their love of beautiful objects and clean design, VISI photographer David Ross has designed a series of striking mobiles. And the other photographer called David (surname: Pastoll), and his wife, creative director Joanina, have created a range of hanging chairs. A reminder that many of us possess more than one talent and, with a little initiative, imagination and courage, there’s no reason not to explore our creative talents simultaneously, as David and David have done.

David and Joanina Pastoll came upon the idea of the hanging chair while searching for similar ones for their home and B&B. Unable to find what they were looking for, Joanina decided to design one and have it made up. They received so much positive feedback from friends that they started producing them. Currently their range includes daybeds, recliners, basket seats and, of course, swings.

“A contemporary spin on the classic suspended sculpture”, David Ross’s three-armed handmade mobiles are made of nonferrous metals, powder coating and hand-burnished bolts, connected by the strongest braids available. They come in three designs: a round brass rod with jet-grey accents, a hexagonal rod with matt-black accents and a brushed-aluminium rod with white circles. David says the designs were inspired by his interest in “graphic forms hidden within modernist architecture”.

David Ross will be exhibiting his mobiles, along with a body of architectural photography examining SA monuments, at the Slee Gallery in Stellenbosch from 27 March to 10 April. Read more here.

davidrossdesign.co.za

studiostirling.co.za, studiostirling@gmail.com