Nov 2014

Gauteng Region

e h t n i o Jlebration! ce Newsletter

Volume 12 Issue: Nov 2014 Inside this issue • Letter from the Editor • John’s column • INTRODUCING… • Fired Earth Exhibition Report • Potters Market Report and Christmas Market • 2014 Calendar • Gauteng Committee and • NEW CONTACT NUMBERS

Affiliate South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA)

Magdalene Odundo

Editorial

C

ongratulations to all the Gauteng members who have had their work selected for the National Exhibition in Cape Town in November.

To those who were unsuccessful with their entries – well done for submitting your work and thank you. Selections are never easy and there are many disappointments, but there is always another time and another place.

Fifty percent of the overall entries (all regions) were accepted. For Gauteng the average acceptance was about 53%.

There is a distinct focus on ceramics in the October issue of the Art Times, beginning with an absorbing interview with Hylton Nel, who reflects on the title of artist/potter. There is also an article on Ardmore’s Bonnie Ntshalintshali and reviews and photographs of all the events forming part of “From African Earth a Celebration of Ceramics. I strongly encourage you all to get a copy of this publication or find it online.

As usual at this time the National Council members gather to view the exhibition and to meet for the annual general meeting, where the business of the Association is discussed and decisions taken as to the way forward for the next two years. This includes choosing an award judge for the 2016 National Exhibition. We have invited many well known international ceramic artists over the years and this year is no exception, with Magdalene Odundo doing the honours.

However, the Council would welcome suggestions from the members as to who and what you would like to see and do during this two year period, both on a national level and in the various regions. Gauteng will have an agm in February – who would you like us to invite as a special guest for this event? Please give it some serious thought and send us your suggestions.

As this will be the final newsletter for the year we wish all our members a peaceful and relaxing holiday season and look forward to another creative and successful year in 2015.

Jerice.

Opinions expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Ceramics SA.

John’s Column

I

t is ceramics month in Cape Town this month, and how wonderful it is to have ceramics recognised with such enthusiasm and in so many ways with a number of exhibitions being held in the Cape, topped, of course by The Corobrik National Exhibition which I am sure will draw large numbers of viewers.

It really is quite an achievement to have a month dedicated to ceramics. No matter what the reason, I am sure for the most part we do ceramics because it brings us joy. Waiting for the next kiln opening with bated breath hoping that this time the results will live up to expectations, rekindling the fire within.

e h t n i o J elebration! c e h t n i Joelebration! c

How lucky we are to be doing something we love doing.

This is a privilege not afforded many, and I know for myself there are times when the next step is not clear and tests are not going the way I would like them to, there is still nothing else I would rather be doing.

I am really excited to think there is a month celebrating this and for once ceramics is not being treated as the poor relative. Join the celebration!

“

They say...

“If all local artistic and design diligences had an organising body such as Ceramics Southern Africa (Ceramics SA) then Cape Town’s legacy as World Design Capital 2014 would be safely secured in our hearts and minds for years to come. So too would its impact on the global design community.”

Acknowledgement:

House & Leisure magazine cover, November 2014

INTRODU C IN G . . .

D

Magdalene Odundo

on’t miss the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the best known artists on the international ceramic scene.

Magdalene Odundo will be giving a presentation and workshop in Gauteng on Saturday, December 6 – details below..

She will be visiting South Africa, at the invitation of CSA to be the award judge for the 2014 Corobrik National Exhibition in Cape Town in November and will then visit all the regions to share her ideas and working processes. Whether you work in her style of coiling, handbuilding and burnishing or not she has so much knowledge and experience that everyone is sure to learn and be inspired by her teaching.

Magdalene was born in Kenya and worked in advertsising, commercial art and graphics before going to England where she studied ceramics.

She spent three months in Abuja in Nigeria where she learnt to make pots in the traditional Gwari techniqueunder the guidance of Ladi Kwali and Lami Toto and throwing under Peter Gboko and Abu Karo She is currently professor of Ceramics at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham in Surrey. She has exhibited widely and received many accolades for her unique vessels that draw inspiration from her interest in a clay narrative and dialogue that is universal to all cultures – that of making pots and vessels.

Her work can be seen in most of the major galleries and museums in the world and is being sold on auction for tens of thousands of Rands.

Workshop: Sat 6 Dec • Gracepoint Methodist Church, 125 Duncan Road, Glenferness (between Lonehill anf Kyalami) • 8.30 for 9.00 - 3 p.m. • R350 for members; R500 for non members. To book contact Cynthia on 011 791 5153 or ceramicssa@icon.co.za

Exhibition 2014 Association of Arts, Pretoria

t

he fired earth exhibition held at the South African Association of Arts Gallery in Pretoria proved to be an outstanding event in a year of a very full calendar of clay. This gallery is a beautiful venue which lends itself perfectly to the display of pottery, be it on plinths, tables or hanging on the walls.

Report by Roger Evans

Artists who entered their work in this exhibition selected their own work for display. What immediately occurred to me was that ceramic art and artists have matured to the extent that selection of work by objective judges is not always a requirement. The quality of ceramic art that is presently being produced in South Africa is of international standard and both the public and fellow artists are reaping the benefits of this through visual education, which then flows into an appreciation of what is required in one’s own work, and what the public expect. The fired earth exhibition is a case in point.

As always in this venue, the exhibition was professionally arranged by the gallery team with no criticism to be found.

The opening was attended by what appeared to be a record audience. It was opened by the well-respected supporter of the arts, Harrie Siertsema, who delivered a beautifully prepared, informative presentation.

Minette Zaaiman

Rose Hobson

But now to the work and the presentation thereof. The exhibition was anchored by an installation of plinths in the center of the gallery, displaying work of various artists, styles and contrasts. At its tallest point, the installation held tall sculptural vases of Margot Rudolf, decorated in an almost minimalist pattern in the beautiful colours for which she is so well known. But then, still standing in front of the installation, the viewer’s eye was drawn to the porcelain vessels of Sandy Godwin, a complete contrast to Rudolph’s work. Godwin’s vessels, though fairly tall, were sensitive, translucent, professionally crafted with decoration of great aesthetic beauty, all in black and white.

Just above and behind this sensitive work stood several items produced by that master of the wheel and handwork, Lisa Liebenberg. As with most of her work, it was an

example of an artist who understands much of the oriental origins of this fine clay art. Put Karen Van Der Riet’s delicate little blue bottles (volcanoes?) between this work, and that of Peter Jaff, all on the same installation, and what an unexpectedly beautiful contrast.

It appeared that two of Jaff’s vessels were thrown in a slightly different style to what one usually expects from him.

What I loved about them were their generous rims and beautiful shapes exuding “made in Africa”. They were complimented by a bottle green glaze, (or Moroccan green?) imperfectly settled on the surface, thereby allowing a hint of the clay body to be seen, and adding to their simple beauty, almost begging to be touched. Close by, Hanjrath Mitha’s earthy bowls also harboured a sense of the tactile.

I was surprised by the work of Sandra Goerke. Very different from what I would describe as her past perfection of Indian inspired objects. Sandra this time had on Margot show delicate little pieces of work, inspired, I Rudolf thought, by coral reef. I am tempted to name the little bowls “crumbling coral” since their rims appear to have evolved naturally with no interference of the human hand. It will be interesting to follow the style and development of this artist in the future.

Then there was the work of Beulah Vermaak. Two of her large bowls hung on the far walls facing the entrance of the gallery. This work is at once domestic; to be used for food, but it also provides for beautiful wall decoration. She has mastered the art of her glazes. As with Jaff’s work, one cannot resist touching it. However, her third large bowl mounted on a stand, was not for domestic use but can certainly be described as fine-art, embedded with

Liza Liebenberg

Harrie Siertsema

Wendy Goldblatt

Beulah Vermaak

Gerd Kalesse

Karen vd Riet

snippets of her own poetry. There is much sensitivity and meaning in this work by an artist who clearly understands the material she works with. The work of Colleen Lemkhul also appears to be developing towards a more structured style and subtle design. It seems architectural and may sit comfortably in a corporate environment. The ever soughtafter work of Minette Zaaiman and Wanda Eloff was also represented. As always, Michelle Legg’s organic work was faultless. Rose Hobson’s little nest of bowls were finished off with a beautiful blue glaze. Jean Beckley’s tall vases added an African flavour to the work on a separate set of plinths in the gallery.

Greta de Sutter’s sculptural group of priest-like figures, clearly made with much care and thought, leave the viewer to question the message being conveyed by this work. I have no idea what inspires the work of Rosmarie Lindstrom, but for me her faces, also sculptural, but mounted on the wall, added some humour to the exhibition. So too did Wendy Goldblatt’s little painted fish. Corlie Schoeman’s work was another example of work that serves equally well as decoration or domestic-ware. Her large plates or platters with some interesting fine detail presented perfectly on one of the far walls of the gallery. At the opposite end of the gallery the sculptured heads made by Monica van den Berg balanced the entire exhibition just perfectly. I found the sensitive shapes of the heads pleasing, something of a personal style, but I would have preferred less use of colour on one of them. In front of the sculptures stood Gert Kalesse’s group of tall white vessels which were finished off with interesting rims. They also complimented the white vessel of Marita van de Hoven with its subtle bits of lustre.

Finally I want to mention Madoda Fani, Querendien Van Vliet, Nic Sithole and Jerice Doeg. Their work simply exudes perfection and class. Clearly of an international standard.

Ceramics South Africa, the Association of Arts and other sponsors must be congratulated on one of the most pleasing ceramic exhibitions I have visited recently.

Roger Evans.

Michelle Legg

Corlie Schoeman Hansraj Mitha

Sandra Goercke

Monica v d Berg, Pieter van Heerden and Dion Otto

Sandy Godwin

Greta de Sutter

Rosemarie Lindstrom

Madoda Fani

Nic Sitole

Wanda Eloff

COROBRIK CD The CD of the Corobrik Collection has been updated and the new version, featuring all the work, is now available at R120, including postage. Orders may be placed with the CSA office.

There are now 237 pieces in the Collection, which is housed at the Pretoria Art Museum. This is the only collection in South Africa which traces the history of Ceramics Southern Africa and its influence on the development of ceramics as a craft and art form. The pieces are selected for their exceptional quality and are acquired through a very generous sponsorship from Corobrik.

Hundreds of visitors, both local and international, go through the Art Museum yearly and the Corobrik Collection, in its highly visible position at the entrance, attracts much attention.

The Collection may also be viewed on the CSA website. http://www.ceramicssa.org/Corobrik.html

Potters Market A cool and blustery Saturday morning warmed into a beautiful sunny day for the second CSA Potters Market at the Association of Arts in Pretoria.

By the time the exhibitors arrived the tables were set out and ready to be filled with a wide range of ceramic work. Twenty eight members took part and there were three tables displaying CSA promotional material and the prizes for the raffle.

These were generously donated by the exhibitors and won by: Liza Liebenberg jug - Chris Southey; John Shirley pot - Sandra Goercke; Karen van der Riet vase - Jill Corlett;Â Jerice Doeg necklace - Jean Beckley; Carolyn Hetdenrych pot - Karen van der Riet; Chris Patton vase - Coral Bennett.

Comments received reflected that this is a good venue and that we should continue to promote the market as a regular event on the ceramic calendar.

CHRISTMAS MARKET Sun 7 Dec 10h00 - 16h00

The Association of Arts in Pretoria has invited all members of CSA to join them for their Christmas Market.

On the first Sunday of every month a group of galleries, curators and artists open their doors for The ART MEANDER when art lovers and browsers can visit, enjoy and discover new works of art.

Visitors spend a leisurely day travelling from one venue to another and this will be a good opportunity for them to find those last minute Christmas gifts.

There will be an exhibition by Elizabeth Riding inside the gallery with the market tables outside in the garden and under the trees.

The cost of a table is R200 and exhibitors must bring their own chairs, tablecloths, umbrellas etc No commission will be taken and each exhibitor will be responsible for his/her own sales.

To book a table please contact Nandi on 012 346 3100 or at artspta@mweb.co.za

diary 2014 Anglo Oriental Heritage & Contemporary Exhibition Rust-en-Vrede, Durbanville.

11 Nov - 11 Dec.

CSA/Iziko collaborative exhibition: From African Earth A Heritage & contemporary exhibition of smoke fired pots Old Slave Quarter.

13 Nov 2014 - 31 Jan 2015.

2014 Corobrik National Ceramics Exhibition M agdalene O d u ndo

The Great Cellar, Alphen Estate, Constantia

18 Nov to 6 Dec 2014 Opening: Sunday 16 Nov Time: 11:00 International Award Judge: Magdalene Odundo

Gauteng Region P O Box 2900 North Riding 2162 Gauteng R.S.A. Tel.: 074 703 4399 / Fax to email: 086 664 0958 ceramicssa@icon.co.za • www.ceramicssa.org

WELCOME to our NEW MEMBER:

Tel.: 074 703 4399 Fax to email: 086 664 0958

Gina Forsman

Gauteng Region Committee Name

Duties

Tel. No.

Mobile

e-mail

Colleen Lehmkuhl Regional Chair/ 011 463 7262 073 481 0889 colleen@potterystudio.co.za Meeting Notes John Shirley

Vice Chair/ Exhibitions

011 640 4982 083 407 5968 johnshir@gmail.com

Drury Brandt

Logistics

011 807 9942 082 574 5800 drury@tiscali.co.za

Nici Brockwell

General Assist

011 702 4600 083 257 7330 nicibceramic@gmail.com

Gillian Clark

General Assist

011 706 7289 074 782 2640 gillian@lamariceramics. co.za

Dineke den Bakker Vaal Triangle Liaison

016 932 2173 082 715 1639 dineke.denbakker@lantic. net

Michelle Legg

Clay Festival/ Exhibitions

083 730 0250 michellejanelegg@gmail. com

Jerice Doeg

Exhibitions/ 012 460 6516 082 683 5680 jerice@informsa.co.za Meeting Notes

Darien Harrison

Catering

012 667 1207 082 463 8653 dunkelly@mweb.co.za

Rose Hobson

Clay Festival/ Exhibitions

084 436 4312 rosehobson@ gmail.com

Karen van der Riet General assist/ 012 660 2341 082 655 2121 karenvanderriet@gmail.com Potters’ Market Minette Zaaiman

General Assist

DTP: Claire Waters

012 460 5823 073 255 2482

LIEBERMANN POTTERY EST. 1952 @ the old gas works 1 Annet Rd, Cottesloe P O Box 674, Auckland Park, JHB, 2006, RSA Tel: 011-482-2215/7 Fax: 011-482-2679 E-mail: liebpott@iafrica.com www.liebermannpottery.com Fascinating array of pottery from around the world.

Storage jars, rare porcelain, pit fired pots, giant planters and water pots, traditional figurines. Liebermann Tableware, Bright Planters, wide range of Bonsai pots, mosaic tiles, collectables, clay tools, banding wheels, brushes and lots of bric-a-brac.

Adventures of The Pottery Detective

DVD’s detailing potters at work around the world R100 / DVD

Liebermann Clay Liebermann Clay

Imported Super White Porcelain 17kg Imported Super White Porcelain 17kg Fine terracotta – 25kg Fine Terracota – 25kg Fine 1 ton Fine Terracotta Terracota – 1– ton Purple SandWhite T/pot– Clay Earthenware 20kg – 20 kg

R303 bag

R 300 bag R R120.00 150 R4235.00 R5 000 R R302.50 150

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Thami Mnyele fine art competition and ceramics SA's regional exhibition in 2012.

Her first solo exhibition, titled Samsara... the journey of the soul is scheduled for the first quarter of 2013 as part of her M Tech degree in fine art.

NDEBELE

cc Manufacturers and suppliers of a

wide variety of stoneware and earthenware clays for throwing, slab building and casting, in buff, terracotta and white.

Contact our switchboard at the above numbers: P O Box 443; CULLINAN; 1000.

Telephone 082 808 9166 or 082 885 1103.

Facsimile 086 725 1221 or Leon Joubert at 082 440 5051

13:00-15:00 – Commence participating workshop with Karen.

Please note the following: It will be necessary to produce current membership cards. Interested non members will be required to take out membership if they wish to attend.

In order to make the necessary arrangements and particularly as the workshop is a participating one, it is essential to R.S.V.P. – please telephone Cynthia McAlpine at 011 791 5153 or email: ceramicssa@icon.co.za by no later than 8 February 2012.