There is something almost magical about handmade ceramics and pottery. The skill it takes to transform a cold piece of clay into a delicate item of beauty is inspiring, and a hand-turned items feels gloriously authentic, no matter what its shape or form.
Thanks to a rich history in the medium, South Africa has a wealth of ceramic artists, and I’ve rounded up my favourites talents who are blurring the boundaries between art, craft and design.
- Mervyn Gers has become internationally renowned for his tableware, and in South Africa his bespoke works can be found in some of the country’s top restaurants, where he custom produces everything from butter plates to wall tiles. His instantly recognisable koi range, with its hybrid adornments of Dutch delft and Japanese style koi fish (pictured here) has become his trademark, but his entire collection is supremely beautiful.
- Art in the Forest is a highly acclaimed ceramic studio in Cape Town that is home to many established ceramicists. All of the commercial profits from the studio are reinvested into the business, and are used for the foundation’s mentorship programme as well as clay and art therapy classes. The studio’s newly launched Forestware collection is produced onsite under the supervision of master ceramicist Anthony Shapiro, by the young artists he is training and mentoring. Pictured here is a Forestware vertical garden.
- Imiso Ceramic Studio by Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa is located in Cape Town’s creative hub of Woodstock. The studio is known for its collector’s pieces as well as its tableware, and takes its influences from nature, textile design,urban culture and local traditions. Pictured here is a selection of hand pinched bowls and plates that are almost flower-like in their delicacy.
- Lisa Firer makes the most beautiful and delicate range of ceramics, ranging from vases and tea-light holders to pendant lights and vessels. While each piece is unique, her style is recognisable by the hand-rolled, hand-embossed and imprinted slabs of translucent porcelain that she uses to create her signature organic forms, such as in the vases pictured here.
- With their playful geometric patterns, Ash Ceramics are a colourful addition to any home. Ceramicist Catherine Ash creates all her handmade pieces herself, and her aim is for her work to be both functional and beautiful. She also enjoys collaborating with other designers, such as in the newly launched project, pictured here – Apotments – a collection of standing indoor planters which were created together with Fabrica Studio.
