Two designers who completed the Three-Dimensional and Industrial Design diploma at CPUT scooped coveted awards at the Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd METAL New Designer Search.
The ceremony took place at Carrol Boyes headquarters in Cape Town in October last year and is an important item in the art and design calendar.
Johan du Toit, an industrial engineer and CPUT alumnus, took first place winning R50 000.
Shritha Gungaya, who recently completed her diploma in Three-Dimensional Design took the third place, pocketing R15 000
CPUT is one of only two universities in the country that offers the Three-Dimensional Design course.
Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd is one of South Africa ’s premier commercial product design companies and specialises in manufacturing one-of-a-kind pewter, aluminum, stainless steel, chrome plated zinc, leather and wood items in flatware, tabletop, homeware and accessories.
The Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd METAL New Designer Search takes place annually. Last year’s competition centred on the theme of the frame, which was defined as a bordered structure containing a mirror, artwork, image or jewellery.
Du Toit’s entry was titled “Tree” and was inspired by the concept of the family tree, where family photos and mementos can be attached to the frame.
As he wanted the images to be movable, Du Toit opted for magnets as a placement tool.
This design was developed to ensure it could be constructed at any direction.
Du Toit said: “I was ecstatic about winning the prize and for me it is not the first time to win this competition, so it really means a lot.”
“I am grateful that many years ago I studied at CPUT as that played a big role and gave me a valuable experience. As a result I have been fortunate to be doing exactly what I have studied for.”
Gungaya’s entry was a ‘moisi’ frame, which is contemporary in design and organically inspired by the mould one might find growing on a piece of bread and when viewed under a microscope.
Each moisi frame embodies part of the user’s personality, thereby allowing the user to become part of the art-making process.
At least 250 entrants sent in their unique frame prototypes to be judged. About 10 registered students from CPUT, including one lecturer, submitted their entries for the competition in February last year. Gungaya was placed as the overall winner from the institution.
“We submitted our entries in February and our lecturers were very helpful and professional, as they know what is expected out there. Winning this prize was very exciting and rewarding for me,” said Gungaya.
The theme for METAL 2009 is 'Fruitfull: design beyond the bowl' and entries open 1 March 2009 .
The purpose of the annual METAL New Designer Search is to “unearth, nurture and develop new product design talent, from planting the seed of inspiration to witnessing a design idea come to fruition”.
Gungaya is encouraging other students to enter the competition for this year “because it is a worthwhile opportunity. Even if you do not win, you get lot of exposure as Carrol Boyes is very popular.”
By Andiswa Dantile, Marketing and Communication Department
Photographs: Third prize winner Shritha Gungaya signs a contract that gives Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd permission to use her design as part of its product range; CPUT alumnus Johan du Toit, who won first prize, and Carrol Boyes of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd ; a detail from Shritha Gungaya’s design.
Written by CPUT News
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