The people of South Africa are known for their production of a wide variety of artistic objects and their craft-work.  They work on the the city streets, on the corners and sidewalks as well as in the market places creating items from just about every possible medium, and more.  The repertoire is constantly growing and ranges from delicate plates and bowls, to Christmas ornaments, key chains, candles, and extremely intricate embroidery.  These works are purchased by the locals, as well as the many tourists staying in the luxury hotels.  South Africa and her artists are innovative and inventive working in traditional arts and crafts as well as modern modern and contemporary pieces.  The artists create pieces using leather, clay, grass and beads, as well as tin food cans, empty gas containers, wires from telephones, and plastic bags.

In this time of financial stress and the poor economic situation in most countries, the markets, shops and collectives in South Africa are doing incredibly well.  One market place that specializes in baskets is called Fugitive’s Drift.  Another site that is a community of the San peoples who have been displaced, create amazing works of art on rocks.  Delicate paintings full of color.  And on just about every corner there are the wire sculptors, selling their tiny pieces of intertwined wire and beaded statuettes.  Some South African artists have become quite famous.  Bonnie Ntshalintshali was a potter, whose detailed work goes beyond the limits of traditional pottery styles.  Her works are sought after by tourists and locals alike.  One artist, Chickenman Mkhize made a living on his eccentric road signs.  Mkhize passed away, and his works are now valued very highly on the Western art markets as well as his home country.  And the art is not just located on the streets but is made up of the buildings on the streets as well.  Many throughout the cities in the country, paint colorful murals on the walls of their houses, which creates and outdoor gallery and a visual experience just by merely taking a walk through the streets.