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While she pursued studies in natural resource management and had a background in nature conservation, Melody eventually embraced her true passion and self-proclaimed title as a self-taught ceramicist. Delving into the world of clay became more than just a hobby for her; it became a therapeutic and grounding art form that she could not resist exploring.

Deeply inspired by Namibia’s vast and rugged spaces, and driven by the desire to create for the sake of sanity, Melody Rohlfs has carved a unique path for herself through her artistic journey as a ceramicist and artist. Born in Windhoek and raised between Rehoboth, Windhoek and Swakopmund, Melody’s creative spirit has always been intertwined with her love for nature and solitude.

Melody Rohlfs

For Melody, happiness lies in the stillness of solitude, particularly in the embrace of desolate landscapes like the desert or her family home at Etosha. These serene surroundings ignite her artistic inspiration and provide her with a sense of fulfilment that can only be found when she is away from the bustling city.

Melody’s creative journey began about a year ago when she made the decision to leave her job in conservation to focus on motherhood. As a stay-at-home mom, she yearned for a creative outlet and found solace in the tactile nature of clay. From the moment she bought that first bag of clay, she hasn’t looked back, immersing herself in the art and craft of ceramics.

What captivates Melody most about working with clay is the therapeutic process it offers. It allows her to relax, unwind and delve into a state of pure artistic flow. With each passing hour, she moulds and shapes the clay, transforming it into beautiful vases and sculptures that embody her creative expression.

Xammi, the brand she created and launched on 8 June, emerged as a natural extension of her artistic exploration. Focusing on sculptural ceramics, Melody infuses ancient forms with a contemporary twist. Her pieces maintain the original clay body, eschewing glazing on the outside to preserve the organic texture and create an ancient feel. The vases, however, are glazed inside, ensuring their functionality as vessels for fresh flowers.

“Feminine forms are shapes that I gladly sculpt as my way of honouring myself and every other female being on the planet as the sacred mothers, sisters and daughters of the earth. I honour our wombs as the birthplace of all life by sculpting these forms from clay,” says Melody about the essence of her creative work. In addition to the divine feminine, Melody draws inspiration from the Namibian landscape, particularly the captivating organic shapes that emerge from geological rock formations and the weathering processes that shape them.

Xammi is an extension of Melody’s very being, and embodies the essence of Namibian art. It caters to art lovers who appreciate the intricacies of slow-made, handmade and locally crafted pieces, encapsulating the spirit of Namibia.

Charene Labuschagne