There are certain images that become more than pictures. They become part of a place. For Stofpad, one such image is the beautiful on-location sketch created by local artist Charmé Southey. What began as an artist quietly observing and capturing the scene has become something deeply connected to our identity — a signature image that reflects the warmth, character and everyday life of Stofpad.
Charmé is a talented artist from the Hermanus and Overberg community, drawing inspiration from the people, buildings and landscapes around her. This is particularly special in an area such as ours, where much of the beauty lies in the ordinary moments: a familiar shopfront, a quiet road, a gathering place, or a scene that forms part of people's daily routines.
Her work has a wonderful ability to preserve not only what a place looks like, but also what it feels like.
Through her use of line, colour and observation, familiar surroundings are transformed into meaningful visual stories.
Creating art on location requires an artist to work directly from the scene in front of them. Rather than relying only on a photograph, she experiences the atmosphere, movement, light and personality of the location while creating the work. The finished piece therefore becomes more than a technically accurate representation — it carries the energy of that specific moment.
When Charmé sketched Stofpad, she captured more than the physical appearance of our shop. She captured the welcoming, unpretentious and community-centred spirit that makes Stofpad what it is. The sketch feels personal because it was created here, in the moment, as part of the environment it represents.
Charmé's artistic journey has also extended far beyond the Overberg. She was recently selected to represent the International Watercolour Society of South Africa (IWSSA) in Turkey — an exceptional achievement and a proud moment for our local creative community.
To see an artist connected to Hermanus and the Overberg receive international recognition is incredibly inspiring. It demonstrates the level of talent present within our community and shows how artwork created from local places and experiences can resonate with people around the world. Her participation in Turkey was not only a personal achievement, but also an opportunity to represent South African artistry on an international platform.
Over time, Charmé's sketch has become one of the images most closely associated with Stofpad. It appears not merely as decoration, but as part of our visual story. It represents a particular moment in our journey and reminds us that Stofpad is more than a shop — it is a familiar place within the Onrus River community, shaped by the people who visit, support, work and share everyday moments here.
The sketch reflects the same values we hope people experience when they walk through our doors: authenticity, warmth, local character and a genuine sense of belonging. That is what makes art so powerful — it allows a moment that might otherwise pass unnoticed to be preserved and appreciated for years to come.
At Stofpad, we believe strongly in supporting and celebrating the people who contribute to the character of our community. Artists such as Charmé help us see familiar places from a fresh perspective, and through their work everyday scenes become part of a larger story — one that connects people, places and memories.
We are incredibly grateful to Charmé for capturing Stofpad so beautifully, and for allowing her artwork to become part of our identity. Her sketch will always represent a special moment in time for us. We also congratulate her on the remarkable achievement of representing the IWSSA in Turkey — a privilege to celebrate a talented local artist whose work continues to carry the beauty and spirit of the Overberg far beyond our shores.
