INSTALLATION OF COLOUR!

I love the work of Silvia Zotta, Argentinian ceramist. These remind me of liquorice allsorts and all things festive and wonderful..

BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS

I find these ceramic pods rather beautiful - sculptural and yet also reminiscent of a collection of specimens under glass. They are part of a solo exhibition by Janis Wilson Hughes of 

Evolution Stoneware at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, USA

Via google alerts I was delighted to come across this article posted on a blog called Craftscurator which gave a great plug to South African design!

Sensitive Style

From South Africa

Mar 22, 2012 by Irene Vermeulen

Using Africa's rich source of natural materials and techniques, a new generation of designers is creating contemporary crafts, that leaves the tourist stuff far behind. Craftscurator explored the Design Indaba expo and found many delicate products and precious materials fitting in the sensitive style.

Material Touch
Ronel Jordaan has been turning wool into felt by hand for years; her signature pebble poufs are sold around the world. By constantly experimenting with the material, new shapes and products are created. She now even sells felt rocks that can be used outdoor. South African brand Serpentine used the traditional beadwork from the country in a very new way, by creating large classic style vases with it. Design studio I love Trees proves they really do love trees by selling coat hooks made of branches. The raw wood material comes from a sustainable source.

Touch of Technique
The New Basket Workshop works with weavers in Ismangaliso park, creating new types of products using traditional techniques. A range of side tables, poufs and large decorative baskets were on show at the Design Indaba expo. Capetown ceramics designer Clementina van der Walt also puts a handmade touch to her products, by experimenting with glazing techniques. Matt, shiny, carved or smoothly shaped, her products are all unique pieces, that look great when displayed together. In her shop in Woodstock, a whole wall is covered in small vases.

Read more on South African expressive products and inventive crafts, and on Design Indaba conference. Or read the article Craftscurator wrote for Stylink in Dutch.

design indaba, ronel jordaan, unseen products, serpentine, i love trees, from africa with love, the new basket workshop, clementina van der walt

CERAMIC ART LONDON 2012

John Higgins sent me these images of several stands at Ceramic Art London 2012, so , for the record I am posting them here...some show rather beautiful work.

 

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THE GRANDE FINALE

Adonis, chief assistant, in making this dinner service finally happen in spite of glazing dramas! The 12 place settings plus serving dishes could not fit on my table and besides it is not really possible right now to whip up a feast for the occasion! But surely the client will do so and enjoy some festive celebrations on this colourful narrative...

MORE NARRATIVE PLATES

These are more of the narrative plates which are part of a large commissioned dinner service which is nearing completion...although I have had glazing problems and had to re-do quite a number of items...aah ceramics...what a life teacher!

CLEMENTINA CERAMICS STAND

 These are images of my stand taken at the Design Indaba last weekend - not great images due to tricky LED lighting, but this gives some idea of what it looked like. Four packed days from approximately 8 am - 8 pm...a lot of fun, well attended and received...but still recovering! I really enjoyed upcycling the button chair, the parrot pot plant stand and making the tiles on the acid yellow metal table..new directions?....well, we'll see..

HAWK - HANGKLIP ART WEEK

Be sure not to miss the Hangklip Art Week coming up on 17th-25th March at the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, Clarence Drive, Betty's Bay. Opening 17th March at 11am. This is a new initiative spear-headed by well-known photographer Lien Botha and others, and hopefully is the start of an important annual event on the Western Cape art calendar.

Above : My piece for the HAWK exhibition - ceramic panel 'Adam and Eve'