Monday, June 14, 2010

Viva Bafana Bafana



I grew up with soccer. We played it everywhere, bouncing balls off our heads or kicking them across the street or a field. On Sundays we walked to the sports field where we watched the local guys and those from neighboring villages play soccer. So, of course, I have to watch the World Cup from South Africa. so far I saw the South Africa vs. Mexico match. The Uruguay vs. France match. The England vs. USA match. And finally the Germany vs. Australia match. I enjoyed the opening ceremony and Desmond Tutu's energetic dance of celebration and I am very happy that Bafana Bafana delivered the first goal during the first game.

It was just before the Germany vs. Australia game that I thought of knitting a bear that would show the colors of the German flag. In the end I included all the colors of the South African flag in the scarf. And I finished the whole Bear yesterday. I will give him the name "Fifa" and he will remind me of the noise of the vuvuzela that sounds like an army of bees has invaded the playing field. It might be annoying to visitors, but it is a South African tradition to blow vuvuzelas and I think that banning them, as has been suggested by some, is not an option.

My condolences go out to Mr. Mandela and his family. His great-granddaughter lost her life in a car crash on the eve of the first game. He, of course, did not attend the opening ceremony.

Six IceBears on the Move








I've knitted six bears with an off-white yarn and have given them the group name "IceBears." Their colors are determined by location.

The first one reflects the blue and white of icebergs and the pale yellow of a distant sun.

The second one is observed as the evening sun hits the ocean.

The third one shows the atmospheric conditions present in the morning.

The fourth one climbs an iceberg and reflects the deep blue sea with his scarf.

The fifth one has moved inland to a lake that is surrounded by trees.

The sixth one strayed into the redwoods, dark greens are pierced here and there by yellow sunlight.

All six are interpretations of photos I have taken during my travels; they are all landscapes that include water and show the reflection of its surroundings.