Welcome to my blog.

The flight home

2008-07-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've not written recently. Alot has happened since Vilankulos. I headed north to Chimoio with friends from the backpackers. I was late booking a ticket the day before and the bus was full but thanks to a helpful local space was found for me in the front seat. There's always space for one more! It was good to make it inland away from the beach for abit. I stayed with two canadians I'd met in Chimoio for one night and then we left for Manica (on the Zim border) because all accomodation was booked up. Manica is even higher up and well away from the tourist trail. I saw some ancient rock paintings after abit of a hike into the bush. An old lady who lived in a small village close by was my guide for a few hundred mts.
The last week I've spent alone in Beira and the long bus trips back to Jo'burg. From Beira to Vilankulos was the worst, in a rickety old chapa that was badly packed and painfully slow. It may have been wiser to fly from Beira but I want to see things more from a local perspective. Having said that the one thing I've learn't is that I'm white and will never be able to travel without being singled out. Africa is reclaiming what was taken by us piece by piece. I hope soon I can walk here as part of a mixed community (as in the uk) but the debt is still to be repaid in full.
My one night in Maputo was spent with a British couple (who happen to know one of the art handlers) who I passed on my advice to since they are heading north to Malawi.

I hope to see everyone soon at various points when I'm back. Just the long flight home to go. I'll use my Zen mind trick that I've adapted to block out intense pain while seated for hours in a row!

Cheers

Sam

Bazaruto Archipelago

2008-07-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've just been on a two day snorkelling trip around the islands. There were five on the boat including myself. The first site just off the beach of Margaruque had a lot of fish but the rocks were sharp and visibility was low. The second site was amazing and made the two day trip worth it. The reef was more spread out, clearer with space to dive under the waves. I'd have been a little disapointed if I'd just done the day trip to the first site. The camp was cosy enough and the food was brilliant (all cooked on the small dhow). The second day we had lunch on the beach and climbed the sand dunes. Everyone ended up a little sun burnt.

I'm now looking to head north to chimoio on the 4am bus tomorrow morning.

Ciao

Sam

Vilankulos

2008-07-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying life in Vilankulos on the mainland by Bazaruto where I hope to go snorkelling with some of the guys I've met on route.

After leaving Maputo at 5:30 in the morning (Africa rises with the sun unlike most of us lazy westerners) I headed for Tofo where I met two groups of people from Nelspruit, SA. I chilled out there for a while but the backpackers was a SA haunt and treated as a disco by the sea. I've moved on since through Inhambane (a beautiful colonial/modernist town) to Vilankulos. The roads are a little pot-holed in places but better than the rest of Africa so I'm told. The mosquitoes have had more than their fair share of me (Maputo and Inhambane being the worst).
The internet here is less available, slower and more exspensive so I'll try and write when possible.

Hope everyone is well?

Sam

Made it to Maputo

2008-07-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I,ve made it to Maputo. South Africa was abit of a shock. The tall electrified fences and aggressive dogs seem more threatening than those they are there to keep out, but having been followed in Nelspruit by two blokes in the middle of the day I can understand why. I am not sure though that turning your house into a fort really helps. I felt very limited not being able to walk around. Maputo has been very friendly by comparison. It is certainly alot warmer.

More later

SamM

Next continent.

2008-06-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

It's time to explore another country. Keep your eyes here for my diary of travel around Mozambique. Also, delve back through past postings. My other trips were in feburary of 2005/2006.

Sam

London sustainability weeks

2007-06-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say I'm still here. Busy as always. Check out www.spinifex.co.uk for new events. Particularly the London sustainability weeks events coming up soon.

Cheers

Sam

Spinifex has it's green fingers on the pulse.

2007-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

2007 is shaping up nicely with several events already in the planning. The new MUW candle/vase will be launched @ the Metropolitan Works Show 07 and then continue on to Pulse, a huge trade event @ Earls Court. I've just been contacted about submitting some products to a 'green' roadshow which will tour Cumbria. It's hosted by John Craven off the telly. Keeping on the theme of tv (although I don't have one) the MOW was shown on 60 minute makeover back in Feb. What a terrible show! And just a quick apology about the Ideal home show. My work wasn't actually shown but it was submitted they just chose not to display it. I'm quite glad actually. That is another terrible show!

I'm currently working on a new piece of seating for release in the Autumn @ [re]design. I can't say too much but it's going to be good. Keep you eyes open for further events.

Cheers

Sam
Spinifex

Happy new year

2007-01-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the new year has kicked off well. Spinifex has been selected for a grant to help with promotion. The panel liked what they saw in the product range and have agreed to give the funding. I spent quite a while over chrimbo updating my business plan and doing further research into the eco-market.

The up shot of all this planning means Spinifex will be updating the website soon with online payment and placing advertising in a national UK magazine. I hope this boosts sales to make this a brilliant year.

Let's hope this will be a happy 'green' year.

Sam
Spinifex

Merry Christmas

2006-12-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hello there,

Christmas is almost upon us. I've been extremely busy preparing orders for the festive season. I'm starting to understand the stress santa must go through each year!
Lots has been happening of late. Firstly, Spinifex has had a fantastic open studio. The entire product range was on display. It's left me a little tired but at least the studio is now clean!

Current news is that Spinifex was featured in the Guardian on the 02/12/06. The piece displayed a recycled kitchen with both the OTA and TLIP on show. This is followed by a showcase at Canary Whary where the OTO has been included as part of the Hidden Art e-shop display. And to top that off Spinifex has been short listed for an award for the most sustainable product at the annual Hidden Art awards this December.

Well, if 2007 can start as well as 2006 has ended then I'm going to be even busier next year!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

winter is here

2006-11-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

I've not written for a while. I've been extremely busy! Had a very successful september and october and looking forward to christmas and new year. The [re]design show that took place in september was brilliant. A massive improvement on the previous year and I look forward to doing it again. Next up is the open studios which I have great plans for. All in all everthing is improving except my health as I have to work so much. The life of a designer/maker!

until next time cheerio

Just a short note.

2006-08-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

Where does all the time go? Things are hectic as usual. I'm in the middle of planning 'Not For Reuse?' an online gallery of eco-images by illustrators, artists and designers. It's proving to be alot more work than I first thought. Trying to track down relevant work and promote the gallery in relevant places isn't easy.
check out www.spinifex.co.uk for more details.

Well, I can't waste any more time chatting.

All the best

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

A busy month

2006-07-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Phew, that was a busy month of June. Four events in as many weeks and one of them was in Newcastle! Well, if you missed us shame on you. Your next chance will be at the Envirofest or Potassium which is still running.
The greatest of the events was by far the House & Garden fair at Olympia. Not hugely successfull by alot of peoples remarks but then we were competeing against wimbledon and the world cup. Spinifex did well and I hope to return next year.
The Event in Newcastle was also very enjoyable. It was good to leave London and remember that the UK is larger than the M25.
Thanks to everyone involved. We will have to do it again.

That's all for now

Sam
Spinifex

preparing for a good summer.

2006-05-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

Where is the sun? I thought it would be warmer than this by now! Hopefully it will appear soon because I have alot of events over the next few months and abit of good weather would be helpful. Particularly since some are outdoor events!

I have high hopes for the House & Garden Show at Olympia. It is bigger than I thought and I have a good spot. I think! The other events are smaller but should generate some useful contacts. The show in Newcastle will be exciting and it gives me a chance to see my brother who lives up there.

Finally, I'd just like to mention the MAD show which was cancelled recently. It was going to be the biggest eco-show of it's kind but it couldn't shift the tickets. It has been tried before at the business design centre but that didn't work either. I couldn't say why but I think these things have to evolve and starting on a smaller scale and expanding might work better. It is all a question of reputation and I didn't know what to expect (and never will know). I think that's why I gave it a miss to see what happened and try it next time around. I'd rather support a smaller event and watch it grow than try to walk onto a large stage. Which is why you should keep your eye's on Redesign this september. It will be it's second year and will be bigger and better.

Yassas

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

Sustainability in print

2006-04-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Good news,

The MOW candle is now live on the hidden art e-shop. The chalkboard should also be available soon at nigel's eco-store. The snowball is getting bigger!

New shows are also planned for Newcastle in june and London in september.

The biggest news however is that Spinifex has been included in the new 'London Sustainability Directory' to be launched on the 24th of april. You can view the directory on-line through the eco-fair link on the Spinifex site. It is of course sustainable produced.

All the best

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

Back to work and big things.

2006-04-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Well it is back to work not quite running. There is alot to deal with since being away for a month. Several shops are interested in Spinifex products. The MOW candle has been taken up by the hidden art shop and so should soon be available.
Spinifex will also be exhibiting with hidden art at the House & Gardens show at Olympia. Redesign also looks set to go ahead again and there are several more over the summer. I guess the summer months are the best time to push Eco-design!

Thanks for reading

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

Day 27 (final day)

2006-03-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, The final day is almost drawing to a close. I still have tomorrow to fly home but I don't class that as a day of seeing anything except the insides of two airports and an aeroplane.

I saw more of Athen's fine discoverys today. I'm surprised how fine most of the pottery and jewelery is. They were able to replicate (batch produce) things to a very high standard.

Well, on reflection I've enjoyed it all (except the late night border crossings). The fact I crossed so many borders (as opposed to last time in India) has shown me the similarities and differences between different nations. But, I have to say I've learnt nationality is your passport, You are whoever you are and part of something much larger than the borders that contain you. They only exist as a mechanism to allow a system of control. If we didn't feel we were so different (because of these lines drawn in the sand) we would I hope all get along as a civilised planet.

I'll try and bring the sun back with me but I doubt they'll let me take it on the plane. Keep your eyes on this page for updates of future Spinifex events

Thanks for reading

Sam
Spinifex

Day 25

2006-03-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I've saved the biggest for last. Athina. It certainly holds it's own on the world stage as one of the great Capitals of the 20th century. The city spreads out as quite a monotonous sprall but the hills of rock that spike up between the buildings are impressive. Particularly when they are crowned by magnificent ancient Greek architecture! I reckon anyone living here could start their own museum. All they would need to do would be to spend a morning in the garden digging and by lunch they would have enough finds to open a museum! On a serious note old remains really are everywhere. The increase in size of the new Acropolis museum compared to the present one is testament to this.

So, It is almost over. One day left and then back to London. I am not looking forward to the 'good old british weather'

Final posting to follow

Sam
Spinifex

Day 19

2006-03-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I've not long left but it's been fantastic. I've just visited Meteora where they've built monastries on the tops of tall rocks. Quite a sight to behold and an impressive few from the top.
I noticed on the way down lots of small indents and platforms built in other parts of the landscape. The monastries were used as shelter against attack but I'm wondering if these other structures are perhaps from more recent conflicts!

I'm now in Patra (southern Greece) and will explore tomorrow.

Bye for now

Sam
Spinifex

day 13

2006-03-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Decided to make a dash for it south. Belgrade, Sarajevo and Mostar have all been fantastic but the snow is finally becoming too much. It just dosen't stop until it's over a foot deep and then it melts leaving the streets awash with brown sludge. I've also seen a few people hit by avalanches as the snow slides off roof tops and ledges!

None of this though gets in the way of daily life. London would most definitely be at a stand still within an hour! I guess people are just used to it here. As soon as it gets too deep all the shop keepers and restaurant owners come out armed with shovels. We (in the UK) just sit there and wait for the gritters to come around.

If I don't drown in brown sludge I'll post again soon.

All the best

Sam
Spinifex

day 10

2006-03-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

Made it to Mostar to relax in the hills. It is actually quite warm here!

Day Seven

2006-03-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Now I'm in Belgrade. The overnight train was a joy as ever and this city has stretched me more than I expected. It' no dissimilar here from any city in Europe at first glance but something felt different from the moment I arrived and then you notice the scars.
Certain parts of the cities fabric don't fit together. Brand new buses will drive past and then you notice one with the doors hanging off! You can walk 100 m from a bright and busy shopping centre into a grey and grubby housing estate. It's only when you look up and see the bomb damage that everything becomes clear.
It's a really exciting place with a bright future. People here seem to have moved on, only these tell-tale signs exist of what happened.

more to follow

Sam
Spinifex

Day 5

2006-02-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

I'm still freezing but that's ok because I'm in Budapest. I'm here after leaving Krakow and passing through Kosice (Slovakia). Kosice is small but beautiful and suprisingly quiet. It doesn't have the big attractions but it does have the architecture and alot of promise. My reward for discovering this attractive little place was a two hour wait in the train station until the sun rose and then a three hour trek to find accomodation. My own fault I guess for not booking ahead but I didn't expect to be befriended by some local drunks!

Budapest seems fantastic but I haven't seen that much. The house of terror is quite shocking. It charts the displacement of facism with communism and how both crippled the country and killed millions. After seeing such horrors I'm hoping the sun will come out tomorrow and sparkle off the Danube.

There'll be more to come

Sam
Spinifex

Day One

2006-02-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hello,

here is the first brief report before I go and get some food. I'm starving. It's so cold here you burn up calories faster than it snows, but the snow is beautiful. Everything has so far gone well. I've found a brilliant place that is clean and warm to stay in and I've already had a look around Krakow. The old town is fantastic and the Jewish quarter I can see is up and coming. There are already a few private galleries around there as well as the Jewish museum. The one thing that is puzzling me though is...
why does everybody walk so damn fast. I've noticed people walking around faster than Londoners (now that's fast) and can only think that they are either really cold or are being chased by something worse than I can imagine!

until next time

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

Spinifex closed from 20th Feb until 27th Mar.

2006-02-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is just a note to warn visitors to my site that Spinifex will be closed from the 20th of Feburary until the 27th of March. The reason for this is I'm taking my annual trip to travel another part of the globe. This time I'm exploring Eastern Europe from Krakow down to Athens. As before I'll be using this blog to keep people upto date on my progress.

Kind regards

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

2006

2006-01-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone,

Spinifex has new products and shows already planned for 2006. Due to popular demand I hope to expand on the OTO/OTA chalkboard range. I'm researching the possibilities of using other mediums besides chalk to leave messages. These will be ready for the middle of this year.
I am also looking into using a broader variety of waste material for the TLIP kitchen trees. This will be phased in as appropriate sources are found.

Spinifex has plans to exhibit at the Eco-design fairs and (re)design again this year. Keep an eye on the events section of the site which will be updated as things materialise.

That's all for now

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

Merry christmas

2005-12-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Merry christmas and a happy new year. This is a message to say Spinifex will be closed from the 20th of December until the 28th. I must apologise to anyone who wanted to purchase product close to christmas and was unsuccessful. It takes several days to produce certain items that aren't kept as stock due to the variety of choices. I'm learning a lesson in preparation!

All that is left to say is thank you logging on and keep your eyes on this space for new products next year.

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

Up maket delay.

2005-11-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Apologies to anyone who tried to find Spinifex at the 'up' market. We were denied a space at the last minute. To make 'up' for this Spinifex will have an even wider choice of products available directly from the stall. Fingers crossed it will go ahead as of 04/12/05.

Sam
Spinifex

Blue fingers

2005-11-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

I’m fighting with the keyboard to bring you the latest on events from Spinifex. The heating is out of action and my fingers are becoming blue. This turns my mind to installing solar power heating in the studio that would lessen the chances of being cut off for not paying the bill. It would actually mean I could sell power back to the grid. Oh, and save on the worlds resources!

Spinifex has just finished two back-to-back events, the first in Cornwall and the other in London. I await feedback on the Salt gallery show in Cornwall from fellow designer/makers based in the capital. Unfortunately I was unable to escape the grasp of London and had to prepare for the London art and design show. The chance to get away would have been nice but the hard work has paid off and Spinifex had a fantastic time at the event. The location was a stunning arts & crafts style building close to Russell Square. Work was installed in the smaller rooms and stands were built for exhibitors in the gymnasium. The final effect was a labyrinth of rooms full of exciting pieces of art and design.

Well, That is almost it for 2005. The final few outings for Spinifex this year will be down to the Sunday Up market on Brick lane. Hope you can make it.

Keep clicking on the site there is more to come.

Sam
Spinifex

Preparation for LADS

2005-11-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick update to keep in touch. I'm busy preparing for the London Art & Design Show. Everything is on course for an excellent event. Well, almost everything!

Once this is done and dusted I can relax abit before chrimbo. I treated myself to tickets to see Bob Dylan next week. I guess you have to see him before he goes. He's almost at retirement age but I know that won't stop him. Incidently, the MOW candle/vase is named after one of his tracks. I'll give you a clue it's on Free wheelin'!

Don't forget if you live close to Hayle, Cornwall pop into the Salt Gallery. Spinifex has work on show as part of Hidden Arts lauch of their cornish franchise.

Thanks for visiting

I hope to see you at my next show!

2005-10-31T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Welcome to my blog space. This was previously used as my diary when I toured India for the secound time but now I'm using it to keep people up to date of my dealings on a more regular basis. Feel free to reply and I hope to see you at a Spinifex attended event. Here's whats happened and will be happening soon.

Spinifex exhibited at The Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair at the Candid gallery, London recently. The fair, split over two floors showed off work from many furniture, glass and ceramic designers. Spinifex was positioned in a prime spot by the entrance.

If the wet and windy weather is starting to get you down then head for Cornwall and hopefully more sunshine. Whatever the weather Spinifex will be displaying a selection of work at the Salt gallery, Hayle in Cornwall. The exhibition is to celebrate the opening of Hidden art’s new Cornish franchise with work by designer/makers from the region and London.

With the help of Cida, Spinifex will be attending the London Art & Design Show at Mary Ward house on Tavistock place. The show moves year by year to different venues across the capital. The event is an annual occurance and a great place to buy your Christmas gifts.

And finally…

Spinifex will be present at the Brick lane, Sunday ‘Up market’. The stall is a shared venture with Crafted Design and Pfeifer Design Consultancy. The market is located in the old Truman brewery car park and Spinifex will be there until Christmas.

see ya later

Sam Morgan
Spinifex

day 26

2005-03-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

This maybe my final posting. I'm in Kolkata before I fly home early on Thursday morning. The time has breezed past and I wonder what I've learnt. It would be nice to have abit of time to reflect but it's straight back into the fire when I return. Maybe I can find some time on the plane?

Kolkata is great. I'd heard it was a crumbling mess. At best other travellers had said it was OK. I'm amazed at how well this city functions. Besides the usual modes of transport it has a tram and underground system. They are constructing huge flyovers in some parts to get traffic over the most congested spots. The congestion I think has led to an awareness of traffic pollution. It's either that or a desire to save petrol (money), because most drivers turn off their engines when stuck at the lights. Either way it helps cut back on having to breath in polluted air. Having said that the air quality in general isn't great here.

Such a vibrant place has given rise to a high proportion of the rich living here. I can't say that is a fact but I have been shown around by friends here and it seems the clubs and societies left by the British are still in full swing under Indian operation. The old viceroys house is still inhabited by the Govenor of West Bengal. On a few occasions we have had problems purely because people want to abuse their position. I thought it was to do with baksheesh but I now realise it was purely because they could.

These are only surface opinions. I'd like to stay here longer. It is somewhere I could get along with.

Sam

Day 18

2005-03-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've not written anything in a while. I've been a little ill (and still not top-notch) plus it's difficult to find good internet connections. Having said that there are enough of them, they're just slow. Thinking about it that kind of sums up my view of india. Anything is available it just won't be brand new or the type you wanted. Everything works, just.

I've been through Khajuraho, Varanasi and Bodhgaya since I last wrote. All spectacular in their own way. Varanasi is an amazing place. The ghats (steps that lead to the Ganga river) really bring home the strength of the faith in this country. My personal view of the riverside is that it needs major restoration and the river is seriously polluted but that dosen't stop people jumping in first thing in the morning to bathe in the holy waters. I believe there view is that holy water can't be polluted and the river will wash all rubbish and sewage away. They believe in religion not science. The old town is brilliant. Lots of tiny lanes and small stalls selling everything.

I am now in Darjeeling and still to explore. I'll update you all later (when I next find a fast connection).

day 10

2005-03-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

I've made tracks through Delhi, Lucknow and Allahabad.
I am now in Khajuraho. I hope here to visit an eco-friendly organisation. In the village they have banned the use of polythene bags as a measure to try and stem the disposal of the items into the environment.
I have noticed so far that in certain tea stalls use fired clay cups. These are very simple to make and are disposed of after use. The same applies to food stalls which use pressed leaf bowls.
I makes me wonder why we (In the west) ever thought of using polystyrene. The waste and harm they cause does not seem like progress to me. We need to use appropriate materials for the task at hand.
I have also found the temples of Khajuraho amazing. They are covered from top to bottom with statues and pattern blocks which are cut as if they are modern constructions. The blocks repeat themselves with a strong awareness of the need to be mass-produced. There are at least twelve large temples here. They have given me ideas for fired terracotta objects.

My thoughts and ideas are developing as a travel. I hope to have more new opinions to write soon.

Day five.

2005-02-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's taken abit of time to post the first message. I've been emailing everyone I can think of. The machines are much slower here but reliable. I've ventured through New Dehli and now find myself in Lucknow. I head for Allahabad tomorrow.

New Delhi is as I remember it. Very fast paced and full of scams. I'm glad I had prior knowledge of it all. You would be bled dry in no time at all if you stayed too long. Having said that I found new very interesting places like the Modern art gallery and Crafts museum.

Having escaped on an early morning train I am now in Lucknow. Quite a wealthy city and the state capital of uttar pradesh. Because people here generally see white and black folk less than in Delhi, the scams are less devious and everyone is very friendly. Almost to the point of being a little strange. I've already been asked by one boy if I'd be friends with him. I'm starting to get used to it.

It's starting to get hotter as I go south. I've already got a touch of sun burn. I expect it to get hotter.

Their is an amazing sense for things to be biodegradeable. Plastic cutlery dosen't seem to exist, all the stalls and restaurants use either wooden or steel utensils. They even have bowls made from pressed leaves! It's a good job though as everything ends up on the ground. The worst problem are plastic bags and sachet packets floating around the streets.

I shall write more the next time I stumble on an internet cafe.

2005-01-31T20:56:00.000-08:00

testing my blog.