Vase theme for Metal 2010 competition

“Vases are multifunctional objects that have been in vogue for thousands of years,” Carrol Boyes explains on her choice of theme. “Ancient histories show that vases served both utilitarian and ornamental purposes. Their use was widespread - from storage and transportation of perfumes, oils, honey and wine, to marking and decorating ancient gravesites and tomb offerings. They formed an integral part of everyday life.”

“Today, vases are specifically selected for practical purposes and for adornment in and enhancement of interiors and exteriors. Contemporary, classical, decorative, functional - they are finely appreciated.”

Entry requirements

Entrants need not have any particular design experience or qualification to enter the competition; they simply have to design and create an innovative 3-D prototype of a vase and submit it, together with the completed entry form, copy of their ID and a one page CV to the company.

In order to maximize their chances of winning, prospective designers are encouraged to produce work that can be viably manufactured in mainly aluminium, stainless steel or pewter (the trademark company metals). Prototypes however can be assembled using any suitably strong material that is available to the artist, such as resin, wood, glazed ceramics or even wire.

“In terms of design, I am looking for fresh and original ideas that display the designer's unique and special inspirations and which are not derivative in any way of the current design styles,” adds Boyes.

Over the past five years, more than 1200 designers across the country have entered the competition, vying for the first prize of R50 000 and the possibility of working with the design and manufacturing team in the production of their winning prototype.

For more about Metal 2010, contact the organizers on , tel +27 (0) 21 424 8263, or visit http://Metal.carrolboyes.co.za and click on the Metal logo.