Inspired by Stefan Sagmeister’s talk at Design Indaba Conference 2014, where he spoke about the power of taking time off, creative couple Chanel Cartell and Stevo Dirnberger quit their advertising jobs in Johannesburg, sold their belongings and packed up their lives to travel the globe for a year.
Last week we lived vicariously through their adventures when the duo took over our Instagram account as guest posters. We found them 15 257 kilometers away from home in Oslo, Norway, already three months into their travels, which they’ve been documenting on their How Far From Home blog.
If you aren’t already convinced about the rejuvenating power of time away, witness Cartell and Dirnberger on the Norwegian fjords, the crisp blue skies above – or experiencing some of the word’s most innovative food at Noma, the two Michelin-star restaurant run by chef René Redzepi (another inspiring former Design Indaba speaker) in Copenhagen.
Check our IG account for more images from How Far From Home’s takeover. This week the #DITakeover goes to Cape Town-based photographer Jonx Pillemer known for his striking work covering Design Indaba Festival, Afrikaburn and other major events.
"15 701km // Førde // Norway
Hello Design Indaba community! Our#DITakeOver week starts now. We are two South Africans currently on a creative sabbatical, inspired by 2014 speaker, Stefan Sagmeister and his theory of time off. We measure how far from home we have traveled, currently on 15 701km. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."
"15 775km // Fjærland // Norway
We're obsessed with the surreal views here in Norway - taking our minds to places where fairy tales are born. Where do you go to get inspired? Tell us in the comments below. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."
"15 932km // Sunnfjord // Norway
Sometimes, the best plan is to have no plan at all. By chance, we've stumbled across this old village which has a museum dedicated to the largest air battle that happened over Norway during WWII. Norway has surprises around every corner. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."
"15 935km // Nærøyfjord // Norway
Final day of the road trip as we head south to Bergen. Anything we absolutely have to see whilst there? Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."
"16 326km // Bergen // Norway
We have been gob smacked by Bergen's beauty - a city that has felt most like Design Indaba's home, Cape Town - rich in culture, heritage, and gorgeous tiny streets. As you can see, we couldn't help but get lost in the Bryggen buildings. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."
17 419km // Copenhagen // Denmark
It's an amazing day to be outside in Copenhagen. With the sun out, we thought we would visit Sankt Jørgens Lake and enjoy the views. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity.
"17 434km// Copenhagen // Denmark
We were fortunate enough to visit previous Design Indaba speaker, René Redzepi's Noma today. Surreal doesn't begin to explain the experience. It was one of the most inspiring places we've ever been, and to meet the talented chefs who create these sensory masterpieces was truly such an honour. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."
"17 449km // Copenhagen // Denmark
The things you find when you take a turn off the tourist map, can be just as interesting as the more popular sites. Follow along as we explore the world whilst invigorating our creativity."