5 facets of Flow's creative journey
"All of what we do is legacy, so our future generations will look back at what we created. We need to keep to our truth." - Flow Wellington
Wassup fam! Today we're bringing you another installment of "Creative Frequencies," and this time we're diving deep into the multifaceted world of Flow Wellington. I recently had an incredible conversation with this dynamic creative force, and I'm excited to share the gems from our chat, broken down into 5 interconnected facets. From poetry to publishing, and now venturing into fashion, Flow embodies the spirit of creative evolution that we love to celebrate. Her journey is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of creating platforms that amplify diverse voices in our community.
1. Gau-Trained: Poems and Stories - Flow's Second Book
Gau-Trained marked a pivotal moment in Flow's creative journey, serving as both a personal milestone and a creative breakthrough. This collection of poems and stories, published in 2018, captures six years of experiences following her relocation from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg in 2011. What makes this work particularly significant is how it helped Flow develop her authentic voice, moving away from conventional poetry performances to crafting deeply personal narratives that resonated with audiences, especially people of color and women navigating big city life.
The impact of Gau-Trained extends beyond its pages, as it became a catalyst for Flow's distinctive writing style and voice. Through this work, she found the confidence to embrace writing in her own language and tell stories that matter to her community. The book's success not only put her on the literary map but also inspired Poetree Publications to champion uniqueness within their publishing sphere. The book is currently available on Amazon (Click here for more info or to purchase).
2. Upcoming Project - The Looking Glass Anthology Volume 2
Flow is currently working on an exciting global collaboration that amplifies women's voices from across the world. The second volume of The Looking Glass Anthology, themed "Letters to our sons," brings together diverse perspectives from writers in India, South Africa, New Zealand, Greece, and Korea. Set for release in 2025, this project aims to document and highlight crucial conversations about society's impact on women, creating a platform for poetry that speaks intentionally to contemporary issues.
"Poetry is political," Flow emphasizes, "so sometimes there are not enough spaces for poetry that speaks intentionally to highlight sore points, and get people engaging in conversations." This philosophy drives the anthology's approach to enlarging and highlighting key issues centered around women's experiences. The project creates a space where women worldwide can interpret and document their lived experiences through various creative mediums, including visual art and photography. This collaborative spirit across continents speaks to the universal nature of women's stories while celebrating their unique cultural perspectives.
For more information about the first “Looking Glass Anthology - Through The Single Gal's” and future volumes, follow “Anthology: The Looking Glass Anthology” Facebook page / Click the image below.
3. Poetree Publications
As one of South Africa's leading female-, black-owned independent publishing companies, Poetree Publications has been making waves since 2011. Under Flow's leadership, the company has published 35 titles and counting, focusing particularly on women and queer writers of African descent. The company's mission, "Rooted in African literature. Producing lasting literary legacies," reflects their commitment to preserving and promoting authentic African literary voices.
Beyond publishing, Poetree Publications has evolved to offer comprehensive services including freelance writing, translations, and content creation. Their direct association with the National Library of South Africa ensures that published works are preserved in national archives, contributing to the broader mission of documenting and protecting South African literary heritage. This holistic approach to publishing has made them a crucial platform for emerging and established voices alike. Click here / on the images above to see more books that they have published.
4. Omsa Xu Flow (House of Flow) - Fashion House
Born from a personal journey through postnatal depression in 2021, Omsa Xu Flow (House of Flow) emerged as a creative venture that bridges fashion with cultural identity. This plus-size centered, gender-neutral fashion house creates pieces that celebrate indigenous heritage, moving beyond occasional cultural wear to everyday pride in identity. The brand's philosophy of providing adjustable, inclusive fashion speaks to Flow's broader vision of creating spaces where authenticity thrives.
The venture stands out in a saturated market by focusing on sustainability and cultural pride. Rather than following conventional retail models, House of Flow emphasizes adaptability and inclusivity, offering customization options that ensure their pieces can be adjusted to fit different body types. This approach reflects Flow's commitment to creating fashion that honors both individual identity and collective heritage. The above image is a photo of poet and actress, Khadija Heeger in a Omsa Xu Flow design.
5. The Way Forward: Crafting Authentic Legacies
Flow's creative philosophy centers on authenticity and honoring ancestral connections in all forms of expression. She advocates for creativity unbound by commercial pressures, emphasizing the importance of documenting our current experiences for future generations. Her ultimate vision is to leave behind a legacy that authentically documents African history, South African culture, and queer experiences, staying true to herself and the ancestors who came before.
In her mission to preserve and promote authentic voices, Flow challenges institutions to reduce bureaucratic barriers that often prioritize profit over creativity. She emphasizes the importance of creating work that future generations can look back on with pride, highlighting the need to document our present-day experiences without compromising our truth for financial incentives or institutional demands. I have to agree with Flow 1000%, and I'm really grateful to have had the opportunity to get to speak to her about the different facets of her creative journey. I'm really learning a lot from these creative frequency features, and I hope this has been a great learning and inspirational curve for you too.
Follow Flow's creative journey today:
Commentaires