Cathy Pope has released a limited edition malachite range designed exclusively for The Painted Peacock Project. Pope was recently in India where she found herself on a “soul food” mission with four friends for the project. The team included photographer Sacha Stejko and two artists Flox and Ema Frost. Together they created the project with the aim of finding new inspiration for their work. The initiative was self-funded and the each of the four women taught a workshop based on their creative practices for unprivileged children while Stejko filmed and photographed the whole process.
“I loved teaching the children how to make gemstone beaded bracelets. It was both humbling and fun. Stereotypes and cultural expectations are so deeply embedded in India, but we hoped to inspire the children to pursue creativity and art and see women who have jobs doing what they love,” Pope added. The campaign for the collection was shot in India with two local women who were scouted by Pope and Stejko. “It was magical shooting on rooftops and in a traditional haveli home and I love the understated elegance we captured with these natural beauties,” Pope explained.
The team is now in the process of creating an exhibition for the Allpress Gallery which will open on December 6.
One of the unique designs by Pope is a necklace made from 92.5 sterling silver and gold vermeil and features a vibrant malachite. 20 percent of sales will be donated to Kidscan and Badi Primary School in India to buy the children art supplies.
The collection is available to buy now or pre-order online at www.cathypope.co.nz.
