PlatAfrica - 1 Prototype Model Development

Cushion shape Bangle

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020. HDPE Plastic 

How to bend  High-density polyethylene (HDPE) into a cushion shape by using a candle, and dome punches to create a curve on the edges

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. Cushion shape Bangle. Dome punch and candle

Cushion shape bangle 

Figure 3 - Mbeje A. 2020. Plastic Bangle. HPDE and Silver frame

Silver frames on top of HPDE 

 Figure 4 - Mbeje A. 2020. Cushion shape Bangle. Plastic HPDE and Silver frame

PlatAfrica 2020 Competition - Bangle for Men

Design Rendering 

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. DNA bangle Inspiration, Silver frame, HDPE (Red and Black), and Platinum pattern

Figure 3 - Mbeje A. 2020. DNA bangle rendering, Silver frame, HDPE (Red and Black), and Platinum pattern

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. DNA bangle rendering, Silver frame, HDPE (Red and Black), and Platinum pattern

My design was inspired by DNA structure patterns. The fundamental of using these design patterns are part of what my role model, he is in the music industry of South Africa. His name is Zakes Bantwini. I look at him as a musician DNA, due to his successful career in music.

Township Domestic Waste

Township Waste 

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020 Township Domestic Waste Plastic. Plastic bottles

The reason why I chose to use domestic waste plastic as part of my research, I have always been affected by the environmental waste around my township area in sidewalks and river streams. My goal is to use domestic waste plastic that is found around communities and CDBs as a way of incorporating non-precious materials into my art-jewellery work.

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020 Raw plastic. HDPE Plastic (coca-cola caps)

This is the raw plastic material coming from domestic waste plastic which I was cleaning and also melted in the oven.