Hanging on the Wall

My Karroo plates hanging on the wall at the Casa Labia Gallery in Muizenberg. 

Seeking Eden

A few of my "Karroo plates" and two Jungle vases will be exhibited at the third exhibition of the "In Bloom" series, curated by Margie Murgatroyd of Africa Nova. This year's theme, explores the myth of the Garden of Eden from a South African perspective and will feature 50 artists working in a variety of media, from ceramics to photography, to jewellery. The exhibition will be at Casa Labia Gallery in Muizenberg and opens on Wednesday 10 December 2014. The exhibition runs from 11 Dec - 22 Jan 2015. Gallery is open Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 4pm.

My Work on a Stamp!

One of my vases dating back to 1991, entitled Urn for Colonial Ashes, which is currently part of the ceramic collection at the Iziko Museum of South Africa, was selected as a limited edition of postage stamps depicting South African ceramics. The South African Post Office has highlighted a selection of South Africa’s finest ceramic vessels from pre-colonial to contemporary times in this edition of stamps.

My vessel (bottom left stamp) subtly references social and political conflict in South Africa by way of a collage of applied images, juxtaposed with bright on-glaze painted African designs. The angular shape of the vessel conveys a sense of disjuncture, loss and threat.

The stamps are available from post offices countrywide at R30 per stamp booklet and R18 per envelope and online from www.virtualpostoffice.co.za   Enquiries can be sent to sa.stamps@postoffice.co.za

From African Earth

The Kalkbay Modern will be hosting an exhibition, Sculpture & Ceramics, which opens tonight at 6pm. This exhibition, themed From African Earth is part of the Month of Ceramics and will showcase sculptors and ceramicists from the Western Cape.

I have some new vases on show...please do pop in when you visit Kalk Bay!

Stern's Eccentricities to Life

Lien Botha and I were recently featured in a great online article in the Mail & Guardian by MELVYN MINNAAR who describes the exhibition as a staged intervention in Irma Stern's house. He goes onto say that "A flamboyant set of tableware is laid out as for an artsy banquet" typical of the late Irma Stern in "colours that bounce off the tones in the surrounding paintings." For more on this online article, read here

  

Play time with Clay Time

The November issue of House & Leisure has a wonderful 5 page spread about ceramics, ceramicists and all one needs to know about clay craft & design in the Western Cape. The article comes just in time to celebrate the inaugural ceramics month entitled "From African Earth", where exhibitions, events and studios will be opened to the public to appeal to and attract ceramic enthusiasts from all over. 

If you are indeed a ceramic enthusiast like myself, I highly recommend buying this issue, and popping into the many events that will be taking place over the course of the next few weeks. Hopefully after paging through this article, you will want to get stuck in to a lump of clay or simply invest in a beautiful clay work of art! For more information, watch this space or follow us on Facebook, Clementina Ceramics.

SPRING IN THE KLEIN KAROO

Spring has finally arrived in the Groenfontein Valley (outside Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo) - recent rains have resulted in wonderful fresh tones and textures of green. Take a drive out from Calitzdorp and rejuvenate your soul!

The Kraaldoring Gallery will be open most of this week from Monday 6 - Friday 10 October  - not the weekend though..(: There is no cel reception or landline here so best to whatsapp 082 925 0871 or email clementina@mweb.co.za if you are driving out specially. We might just have to nip out into the dorp to get provisions....
 
It seems appropriate to cite this wonderful poem by Afrikaans poet 
C. LOUIS LEIPOLDT  1880-1947

Oktobermaand

Viooltjies in die voorhuis,
        Viooltjies blou en rooi!
Viooltjies orals op die veld,
        En orals, ai, so mooi!

Dit is die maand Oktober,
                       die mooiste, mooiste maand:
Dan is die dag so helder,
                       so groen is elke aand,
So blou en sonder wolke
                       die hemel heerlik bo,
So blomtuin-vol van kleure
                       die asvaal ou Karoo.

Dit is die maand Oktober:
                       die varkblom is in bloei;
Oor al die seekoegate
                       is kafferskuil gegroei;
Die koppies, kort gelede
                       nog as ‘n klip so kaal,
Het nou vir welkomsgroetnis
                       hul mooiste voorgehaal.

Dit is die maand Oktober:
                       die akkerboom is groen;
Die bloekoms langs die paaie
                       is almal nuutgeboen;
En orals in die tuin rond
                       ruik jy sering en roos,
Jasmyn en katjiepiering,
                       lemoen en appelkoos.

Al was die dag soos yster,
                       lank in die vuur gesteek,
Die varings in die klofies
                       deur hitte geel verbleek,
Tog as die son daaronder
                       agter die berge gaan,
Dan word oor heel die wêreld
                       die mooiste geur geslaan.

Dit is die maand Oktober:
                       die kokewiet is uit;
Boomsingertjies en kriekies
                       die hoor jy orals fluit;
Fiskaal is op die oorlog:
                       daaronder by die sluis,
Daar is ‘n dor ou doringboom
                       sy spens en sy kombuis,

Dit is die maand Oktober:
                       ek dink, die mense vier
Vir ewig in die hemel
                       Oktobermaand soos hier!
Wat wens jy meer as blomme,
                       as helder dag en nag?
Wat kan jy beter, mooier,
                       of heerliker verwag?

Ek is nog in Oktober:
                       my tuin is nog so groen,
So wit met al wat mooi is,
                       met bloeisels van lemoen,
So pragtig in die môre.
                       so heerlik in die aand!
Ek is nog in Oktober,
                       die mooiste, mooiste maand!

Wat gee ek om die winter?
                       Wat praat jy nou van Mei?
Wat skeel dit, as ons later
                       weer donker dae kry?
Ek is nou in Oktober,
                       die mooiste, mooiste maand,
Met elke dag so helder,
                       so pragtig elke aand!

Viooltjies in die voorhuis,
        Viooltjies blou en rooi!
Viooltjies orals op die veld,
        En orals, ai, so mooi!

                    ********************************************************

Translation of 2 verses into English by Eleanor Lemmer

Month of October! Loveliest, loveliest month of all!
The day so clear, so green at twilight,
The sky above, so blue and cloudless,
As vivid as a flower-garden, the ancient grey Karoo,
As vivid as a flower-garden, the ancient grey Karoo.

It's the month of October!
Seems folk here celebrate forever
in a month as heavenly as October!
Who can wish for more than flowers, as bright as day and night?
Who expects better, lovelier, glorious?
Who expects better, lovelier, glorious?
What care I for winter?
Why talk now of May?
What does it matter if dark days re-appear?
I'm now in October, loveliest, loveliest month of all
Each day so clear, so splendid every evening!

The Stern Exchange

You are invited to THE STERN EXCHANGE

an exhibition by Lien Botha and Clementina  van der Walt

on Saturday 4th October 2014 at 10:30

as part of Designing Destiny 

The Cape Town Month of Photography,Film & New Media ’14 Festival.
 
To be opened by Michael Godby
 
Exhibition styled in collaboration with EBONY
 
Walkabout on Wednesday 15th October at 10:30

 Exhibition closes 25th October 2014
 
MOP6 Festival program 15 September – 31st October on www.photocentre.org.za 
 
The UCT Irma Stern Museum
 
Cecil Road, Rosebank, Cape Town Tel. 021 685 5686
Opening hours:
Tues-Fri         10:00 - 17:00
Sat                  10: 00 - 14:00
www.irmastern.co.za

The Stern Exchange is a collaboration between lens-based artist Lien Botha  and ceramic artist Clementina van der Walt and will also be part of the Sixth Cape Town Month of Photography.

     Whilst the artists will each independently be investigating aspects of the Irma Stern Museum and reflecting these in separate bodies of work in their respective mediums, the original idea was  to present something along the lines of the Grayson Perry installations in the British Museum – The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman – in 2011/12.

Botha, besides exhibiting work from two existing portfolios called Moundou (2008) and Plant Press (2009), also created a unique set of eight photographic prints, featuring staff of the Irma Stern Museum and which can best be described as an idiosyncratic insertion into the raison d’être of this venerated building.

Van der Walt will show ceramic works which embrace both the utilitarian and contemplative aspects of the ceramic discipline. Much of the style and methods of working have been inspired by experiencing two parallel lives – an urban life in the City of Cape Town and a rural life on a farm outside Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo where she spends many weeks of the year.

     Her  intention is to ‘seek the sacred in the ordinary’; “I endeavour to make contemplative objects which have a utilitarian dimension. My aesthetic inspiration is drawn from the patterns, colours, light and textures in the urban and natural African landscape.”

Finally, the interplay between ceramic work and photographic prints will be tied together with furniture - supplied and coordinated  by Ebony Design.

*Esteemed academic and Art Historian, Professor Michael Godby will open the exhibition.

*There will be a walkabout on Wednesday 15 October with Irma Stern lucky packets available for sale.

 

My Recent Visit to Taipei

I have just arrived back from an incredible 10 day trip to Taipei, Taiwan. My partner, Albie Bailey, and I were fortunate to visit this city and explore the streets, taste the exotic dishes and meet the beautiful people. 

The reason for our trip was to visit the Yingge Museum of Ceramics where my work is on display for a few months as part of an international Ceramic Exhibition. 

Masquerade is an installation of mine, comprising of 18 masks and is on show at this prestigious Ceramic museum. In this picture, I was lucky enough to meet the director of the museum, Chen Chun-Lan. 

My installation is also featured in their exquisite 215 page catalog, which comprise of pictures and blurbs about each Ceramicist taking part in the show from across the globe.

We were welcomed with absolute warmth and reverence by the director as she awarded  me with this Certificate of Gratitude. I thought this was a lovely gesture.

Ceramic Culture on Show in Japan

This piece was selected for Honorable Mention in this international competition. 

Intending to promote development of the ceramic industry and exploring culture through international exchanges of ceramic designs, this exhibition comprises of ceramic work from across the globe, displaying innovative ideas and beautiful designs.

The exhibition is opening today 12 September -Sunday 19 September 2014.

For further information, please visit Ceramic Exhibition in Japan

South African Flavours & Traditions

Some of my ceramic dishes were recently used to serve popular "Cape recipes" on by Cape Town based Chef, Sophia Lindop in her latest publication, Cape Town Flavours and Traditions

My Face Medallions | Women in Clay

My latest pieces, Face Medallions, are on show at the annual Woman in Clay exhibition. Art in the Forest is hosting the annual women in Clay,  to commemorate Women’s month. The exhibition opens 23 August. Show runs till 27 September. Art in the Forest is nestled in between the tall trees on the slope of the mountain and can be accessed via Rhodes drive, just past Constantia Nek Circle. The gallery is open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm & Sat 10am-3pm.

GONE LIVE!

After many months, weeks & days of photographing, editing and planning, I am delighted to announce that my online shop is finally here! This morning we went live and are now selling the Wabi Sabi range online. Please visit the online shop and let me know what you think.

I am offering FREE shipping for all online sales within South Africa from now till 31 October 2014.

AFRICANUS

Opening tomorrow...

An exhibition of Clementina wall plates, inspired by South African and Literary figures and Fayum mummy portraits. This exhibition will run from 9 August - 18 September 2014 at 6 Spin Street in Cape Town. Come along to the opening where we will serve refreshments and selected poems will be read by Kelwyn Sole and Ingrid de Kok.

AT THE LONG TABLE...

Some of my Wabi Sabi range place-settings laid out on The Long Table exhibition at 100% Design, now on, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Exhibition runs from 6 - 10 August 2014

Picture featured on Art in the Forest Facebook page

THE TABLE | AN EXHIBITION OF CERAMICS

These mugs and bowls are on show at a ceramic exhibition in Kimberly at the William Humphreys gallery. 

BEAUTIFUL DAYS

Beautiful days in the Klein Karoo! Winter mornings in the Groenfontein Valley are crispy cold and the land looks as if snow has fallen - everything is covered in frost! However the days are beautiful, the skies are clear and the sun shines bright. We are welcoming visitors to this side of the world, so if you happen to be  in or around Calitzdorp, please pop in and see some of my latest work.  

*Please note there is no cel phone reception here, only email and whatsapp messenger

 .

Kraaldoring Gallery will be open on

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July

from 11am until 4 pm.

WORKING THE CLAY

There's something about working with clay that I just love! The smell, the feel, the temperature and even the noise as I squeeze my fingers through it. No matter how many times I have to prepare the clay, or consider how many years I have worked with it, I feel a deep connection and appreciation for this organic substance that comes from the earth. The process from start to finish is threefold, preparation, production and ultimately satisfaction as one gets to enjoy the finished product. Of course the process doesn't always end well, but despite this, there is always a sense of excitement as you anticipate the end of a firing and the kiln door is first opened!

STEP INTO THE STUDIO...

"Ceramics from different cultures and across the centuries used the same process, connecting people through the ages - that is amazing to me. They say if you look at a ceramic piece, you get a sense of the ethos of a culture - their politics, economics and society." I was interviewed by Alma Viviers who recently visited the studio and composed an article for the Design Indaba - To read article click on this link http://www.designindaba.com/news/clementina-van-der-walt

DESIGN & MAKING

This exhibition at the Castle runs from 12 May - 12 October 2014. Tracing the evolution of craft and design through food, the show reveals a story where vessels designed around preservation, storage and distribution are on display.

BOLD & DELICATE

Irene Vermeulen from HandEye  online magazine, recently visited the studio. In her article, she describes my work as having a "remarkable sense of color" and being "imperfectly shaped." 

Photo by Iren Vermeulen

BEAUTIFUL SPACES BEAUTIFUL THINGS

One of my Tulipieres was selected for the 100 Beautiful Things exhibition. It's a pop-up gallery of design to celebrate World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 theme of Beautiful Spaces Beautiful Things. It is currently being showcased at the preview pavilion of 100% Design South Africa, alongside Decorex Cape Town, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Everything in the gallery is designed and made in SA and in production in 2014. This exhibition ends on Monday 28 April 2014.

PAAS OP DIE PLAAS

There's something quite precious about finding a nest, especially when it has an egg in it! Not to mention an Easter egg! Happy Easter from the farm!

GOLDEN DAYS ON THE FARM

We are back at the farm where the valley is greener than ever and the days are lit up by a golden autumn glow. The weather has been perfect and we have had guests and visitors from all over popping in to say hi and to see the latest works on show at the Kraaldoring Gallery. If you are attending the Arts festival in Oudtshoorn, take a scenic drive through the Groenfontein valley and come and visit us too!

MARKETS

Having worked with ceramics for over 4 decades, I've sold and supplied work at a variety of outlets; flea markets, shops, hotels, restaurants, galleries and art shows. Selling at markets takes me back to the early 80's where I first sold my ceramics at the Market Theatre - flea market in downtown Johannesburg. In those days we were still living under the apartheid regime, however the Market Theatre operated independently, accommodating a vibrant atmosphere of multi-cultural and non racial discrimination. Stall holders of all races sold side by side, jived to the music and mingled with the locals. There was a great buzz and the Market Theatre itself, hosted controversial shows and live music and dynamic dance performances. 

Selling at markets is always a humbling experience, literally grounding one, bringing one in touch with reality. Last weekend, I had a stand at  the bi-annual Potter's Market in Rondebosch. I had great sales and wonderful feedback.  The next Potter's Market  will be in November. 

HERE AND THERE

In an article recently published online, my work was beautifully described as follows "...Clementina’s work is striking in colour, pattern and form and has a very African influence, which she notices more when showing abroad. Her work provides a window into the beauty of everyday objects, each piece reflecting the rituals of daily life..." For the rest of the article visit http://hereandtherecrafts.tumblr.com/

DESIGN BY NATURE

These slices of star fruit add a quirkiness to this turquoise Wabi Sabi Bowl. I love the organic feel of this range, it seems so well suited to this unusual Asian fruit!

PEACE AND QUIET

Sitting on the stoep of our old farm house in Kraaldoring, surrounded by rugged rock formations, Fynbos and giant Aloes, I sip my tea and admire the landscape around me. The fresh air and quietness reside in this lush green valley where the hum of insects and the rustling of the bamboo echoes through the valley. At times, there is such stillness, one can hear the cows grazing and the faint sound of the river as it trickles through the thick vegetation. This is where I find my peace and quiet...and the the inspiration to create! 

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

I am currently exhibiting at three different events, the Design Indaba, the Artisan's Guild and the 101 Ceramics exhibition at the Castle of Good Hope. These are wonderful opportunities to showcase my work alongside other great artists and designers.

EXPRESSIONS THROUGH A MASK

"A charm invests a face
Imperfectly beheld,
The lady dare not lift her veil

For fear it be dispelled"

-  Emily Dickinson, The Complete Poems

Visit my stand at the DESIGN INDABA 28 February - 2 March at the CTICC 

FIND THE SACRED IN THE ORDINARY

“The sacred is in the ordinary...it is to be found in one's daily life, in one's neighbors, friends, and family, in one's own backyard...travel may be a flight from confronting the scared--this lesson can be easily lost. To be looking elsewhere for miracles is to me a sure sign of ignorance that everything is miraculous.”

― Abraham Harold Maslow

REFLECTIVE PRACTICES

Reading, sitting quietly with myself and potting away at the wheel are the moments where I reflect and discover my deepest creativity. These practices inspire me!

FABULOUS FIGS & SHINY RED APPLES...

"A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy." Albert Einstein

Spending some time at our farm in Calitzdorp, I've been inspired to cook and explore some great recipes by Karen Dudley, Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi. This has led me to a renewed interest in styling, making use of my ceramics with beautiful ingredients, and delighting the senses as I go. 

OTTOLENGHI AND CLEMENTINA

I have spent the past two weeks on holiday and delighting in cooking from Yotam Ottolenghi's book Jerusalem which he co-wrote with Sami Tamimi. The food was so delicious, inspired me to continue making these fabulous dishes on my return...alas so far, all intentions have fallen by the wayside..!

However I was delighted this week to get a message from Africa Nova to say that Ottolenghi had been in their store and purchased a big bowl and some small cups of mine - wonderful coincidence!