Ali Lamu: The love story that inspired a weekend bag and revived an island community
In 2008, a fisherman named Ali Lamu knocked on traveling photographer and artist, Daniela Bateleur's door. Little did they know this encounter would lead to love between the two of them and prosperity for Lamu, their island community off the coast of Kenya.
Ali came to Daniela because he was struggling to make ends meet and needed work. She didn't have a lot for him to do, but she did need one thing—an old Indian dhow sail. Ali found her a sail and after he brought it back, the two painted it together. One painted dhow sail turned into several handcrafted weekend bags sharing messages of hope and love. The bags have messages like 'Follow your star" and "Love" inscribed on them and Daniela says her inspiration for the design comes from: "The fishermen she works with, the first birds singing in the morning, the sun rising, the smell of the rain and the light, the free spirit of the fishermen and their close connection to nature and life, and their deep and pure faith and respect for life." The sale of the bags and artwork goes to the fishermen who made them and back into the community.
Ali came to Daniela because he was struggling to make ends meet and needed work. She didn't have a lot for him to do, but she did need one thing—an old Indian dhow sail. Ali found her a sail and after he brought it back, the two painted it together. One painted dhow sail turned into several handcrafted weekend bags sharing messages of hope and love. The bags have messages like 'Follow your star" and "Love" inscribed on them and Daniela says her inspiration for the design comes from: "The fishermen she works with, the first birds singing in the morning, the sun rising, the smell of the rain and the light, the free spirit of the fishermen and their close connection to nature and life, and their deep and pure faith and respect for life." The sale of the bags and artwork goes to the fishermen who made them and back into the community.
