Nature inspired

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Elaine Kool’s passion for biodiversity borders on militancy – she’s fiercely protective of every living organism found in nature and has channeled her love, energy and artistic eye for detail into a range of silver jewellery, each piece with its own unique story. 

Her beautiful home, nestles in a wild indigenous garden where every tree, plant and shrub has been planted with the knowledge of the species it will attract to the garden. It is a veritable living world, alive with the sounds of birds, the gentle buzzing of bees and insects, spider webs that glisten in the sun rays and even a Praying Mantis makes an appearance as she shares her remarkable story.

Born into a farming environment in Zimbabwe, Elaine was exposed to all kinds of creatures and plants that formed her earliest love of the African bush.  “By profession I am a gold- and silversmith,” she says, nodding towards the door leading to her workshop filled with the tools of her trade and her latest project, an Elephant Mosquito … “Just two weeks ago I spotted this massive mosquito in my garden. I couldn’t believe the size of it or, as I got close-up, its beautiful colours.  I did some research to discover that it actually feeds on other mosquitoes and is also a pollinator,” she explains, launching into a tirade of how important every organism is in maintaining the balance in nature, and how ignorant most people are in destroying them, thereby impacting negatively on the food chain.

 “Every piece of my jewellery is a talking point and each has a story attached which I pass on to the person buying it. In this way, I hope to educate people to become more aware of how important every organism is to our survival as human beings.”

Elaine’s fascination for the shapes of insects, plants and stones found in the country is the force behind Kool Kulture and her Khameleon jewellery range which she sells online and at the Shongweni Farmers’ Market on the first and last Saturdays of the month.

Each individually crafted item is unique and a true reflection of the characteristics of the study piece. From the tiny breathing holes found dotted across the thorax of the hawk moth, to the miniscule hairs on the legs of the elephant mosquito, Elaine’s eye for detail is painstakingly evident.

Her range includes the ever-popular butterflies and dragonflies, “I have an ongoing love affair with the Hawk Moth,” she says, touching the piece that she wears around her neck.  There was a frogs and chameleon stage, birds of prey, the cutest bees … “have you seen how gorgeous the blue bum bee is?” and a unique range of flies which had a group of entomologists in a froth as they lined up to purchase the little critters.

“I’m happy to make up something special on request for individuals and have created some interesting items for special birthday celebrations and anniversaries,” she says.

Her creativity knows no bounds.  Apart from her jewellery design and manufacturing, Elaine has dabbled in a number of creative arts.  The walls of her home are adorned with some of her paintings, her workshop shares space with a sewing machine and overlocker … “I like to make my own clothes” and she has also experimented with medicinal plants, developing a range of cosmetics.

  “I blame my dad. Growing up on a farm we did everything ourselves.”

She also admits to having a go at making pottery and keeps her hands busy while watching TV with knitting or crocheting. “I just can’t sit still!”

Creative pursuits aside, it is outdoors where she thrives and finds herself in her element, surrounded by the beauty of our natural environment.  She is actively involved in conservation pursuits and an enthusiastic member of local environmental groups and societies.

“Every day is a learning experience for me. There is always something new and fascinating to see or explore, whether it’s an unusual caterpillar, some unwelcome aphids appearing on a plant, or a visiting bird … it never ceases to amaze and delight me.”

When she does settle down to relax, Elaine says she enjoys reading. The bookshelves around her home are filled with titles that reflect her interest in the natural world around her. “I love to read books that are interesting and informative. It must be half story and half science,” she says laughing.

Her family is another joy in her life and her creative pursuits and passion for the environment have been passed on to her two daughters who in turn are raising her three grandchildren to be equally aware and sensitive to the world around them.

Follow Kool Kulture on Facebook  and Instagram or contact Elaine on 0824929451

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