Ellis Park swimming pool mosaic
The entrance to Ellis Park Swimming Pool is tiled in a wave form mosaic in shades of blue/green & little mirrors.
Ozynski contacted Junior Ramhova, Head of Sports and Recreation within region 8 (inner city) regarding the mosaic project. His agreement and approval concerning Yeoville’s upliftment began the process and Pieter van Vuuren, then Marketing Manager for Sports and Recreation, wanted the mosaic façade as the identity for Johannesburg swimming pools. But there was no funding.
Ozynski then approached the late Peter Kroll of Peter Kroll Tiles, a manufacturer of South African hand-made tiles. The company agreed to provide as many seconds tiles as was needed. (These tiles are usually sold to the public.) “We are a South African company that believes in South Africa,” says Tina Kroll. “Our tiles usually beautify exclusive homes and businesses and, through the mosaic swimming pool project, we are now proudly part of the larger city.”
The mosaic on the entrance of the Yeoville swimming pool began in August 2004, lasting a month through working on weekends. “I made use of my friends and volunteers, as well as about R1500 of my own money,” explains Ozynski. “The people involved are from all over Gauteng and professionals in their own right. It was amazing to see photographers, prosecutors, architects, designers and NGO people working in their spare time for their city.”
Once the project was complete, Ozynski found out about further funding. She approached Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), a joint initiative between government and business that looks to secure the future development of arts in SA. The National Arts Council and Johannesburg Water also came to the party with further funding, allowing Gabrielle to continue improving the facades of swimming pools in region 8. Peter Kroll Tiles also continued with their involvement. Besides Yeoville, Ozynski has now completed Ellis Park and Rosettenville swimming pools.
Installed circa 2005.
Submitted pictures
At Flickr
