5 South African Ceramicists You Should Know

Whether intended for function or form, ceramic art is one of the most versatile creative genres where the possibilities are almost endless. South Africa is absolutely bursting with creative talent and the world of ceramic art is no exception. Join us as we take a closer look at 5 South African ceramicists who have become absolute masters in their field and whose works have become coveted by collectors from all around the world.

Lisa Firer

With possibly the most ironic surname considering her profession, Lisa Firer is a ceramic artist based in Cape Town. Working from her Woodstock studio with a small team of like-minded artists, Firer creates unique porcelain pieces which have been exhibited at a wide range of celebrated expos such as 100% Design South Africa and the Design Indaba. Every piece of her work is handmade and displays a carefully considered delicacy and intricacy. From vases to organic forms celebrating the wonder of translucency, Firer’s passion is evident in her bespoke creations.

Astrid Dahl

With a focus on design principles which are anchored in light and shadow almost as much as the clay itself, Astrid Dahl is a ceramic artist based in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Working solely in white clay, Dahl states that she finds inspiration in the work of Karl Blossfeldt, a German botanical photographer, and intends for her pieces to be a celebration of the organic curves seen in nature. Using traditional clay methods, Dahl’s creations – while simple – are breathtakingly beautiful, just like our favourite https://onlinecasinosingapore.net/blackjack/.

Zizipho Poswa

Said to be inspired by the natural environment particularly South African fauna, Zizipho Poswa is the founder of Imiso Ceramics based in Woodstock, Cape Town. Aiming to create “distinctive clay art” Poswa’s knowledge allows her to translate African textile design to clay bodies and the Imiso Ceramics collections include hand pinched works inspired by the richness of South African flora, a scarification collection inspired by the ancient African tradition of body scarification, and an ‘Africasso’ collection which combines the design aesthetics of Picasso and Africa.

Martine Jackson

Inspired to create pieces which hold an enduring impression of harmony and balance, Martine Jackson was first introduced to clay as a medium of expression by her late mother Barbara Jackson who was herself a creative force. All of Jackson’s pieces are handmade using the coil method, fired, hand-painted and then finally fired again and she has created a bespoke collection for Carrol Boyes. While her pots and bowls are a sight to behold, Jackson is most renowned for her fold pendant lights which have been exhibited at Southern Guild in the V&A Waterfront.

Louise Gelderblom

With a design aesthetic firmly rooted in an urban African clay tradition, all of Louise Gelderblom’s contemporary pieces are hand-built and one of a kind. Owing to the scale of her pieces, Gelderblom’s pieces are widely sought after by interior designers, architects, and collectors and she was the first recipient of the Elle Deco International Design Award, or EDIDA, for Best Craft Designer in South Africa.