New @ the KZNSA Gallery

The KZNSA has, this week, launched the opening of the new Park Contemporary. This new space will showcase the works of professional artists in KZN. It aims to function as an "art agency" that will serve artists, supporters of art and collectors. The launch features various artist's work including Peter Rippon, Bronwen Vaughn-Evans, Coral Spencer Domijan, Clive Sithole, John Roome, Grace Kotze and me.

 Here's some photos of the works what you can expect to see:

another beautiful work by Bronwen Vaughn-Evans

Clive Sithole's ceramic work

Detail of Coral Spencer Domijan's painting

Peter Rippon's 'Moth' oil painting

The artwork I submitted is an abbreviated version of 'Schema' which was included in my last show, 'Imprint' in November 2009. These are the works that were not sold then, there was originally 16 pieces. I think they still work well as a series of 10. These are made in porcelain fired to 1200 degree celcius and then glazed. Here's some images of my work you can see at the KZNSA Gallery.

 

Carla da Cruz - Schema, 2009

Schema - detail - 5 pieces

Schema - detail - 4 pieces

Schema - detail - 2 pieces

Schema (growth)

Schema (lichen)

Schema (nodules)

Schema (segmented)

Schema (tendrils)

In Bloom @ Casa Labia

I'll be participating in the In Bloom exhibition opening at Casa Labia, Muizenburg on the 16 November. I have a number of works on show which will be available to purchase. The exhibition is open until 29 January 2011.
For those of you in the area, visit Casa Labia, which has recently been restored. It was built in 1929 to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice. The house is now run as a multi-functional cultural centre which includes an independent, contemporary South African art gallery and Africa Nova boutique.

Below are a few examples of my work on show

New Work: Mitosis

So the original idea for this work was to make a triptych which turned into a series of four. The second piece I made unfortunately broke as I was cleaning it, it wasn't meant to be (as my mentor always says). I remade it and then made a third piece and decided it needed a fourth piece to complete the group. I've titled this work 'Mitosis', which means cell division. I think it's quite obvious why :)

I really enjoyed making these. Each 'layer' of porcelain is achieved by rolling out paper thin strips of clay and carefully folding and laying them onto the previous strip and porcelain base of the piece. Only the bottom portion of the strip is cross-hatched, slipped and attached the previous layer. Enabling me to achieve the ruffled and slightly distressed edge.





This work can be seen at the 'In Bloom' exhibition, opening on the 16 November at Casa Labia in Muizenburg, Cape Town. So if you're in the area, why don't you pop in and have a look at the show.

Work in Progress

I started this piece over the weekend and I completed it late yesterday evening. The technique is something I've been toying with for a while now but this is the first time I've tried using this layered, fringed technique on a larger scale in porcelain. I usually work quite small in porcelain. I used a plaster mould for the basic structure of the piece, which I began by laying a thin slab of porcelain about 5mm thick into the mould. I then pressed the clay in gently , trying not to stretch or tear the porcelain.


I'm quite happy with the piece, it's now drying out before it can be fired. Hopefully it will dry and fire well. I plan this piece to be a part of a triptych making up a small group. I'll keep you updated with the progress. :)

2010 Ceramics SA - KZN Regional Exhibition

I recently participated in the KZN Regional exhibition of Ceramics Southern Africa, held at ArtSPACE durban. These are the works I submitted. The top row is a selection of porcelain "Wallflowers" and the bottom row are works from the 2009 series "Schema". I thought the combination of the two different forms worked quite well together as the textures on the pieces echoed each other.




I really enjoyed Naomi Klingenberg's work at the same show. Her organic, beautifully shaped seed-pod forms were interesting and a wonderful departure from the traditional vessel. The contrast in the textures on the forms were fascinating, from the burnished smooth surface of the body to the layered texture on the neck.

Naomi Klingenberg

Imprint: New Ceramics by Carla da Cruz

Opened on 27 October, until 15 November 2009 at the KZNSA Gallery, Durban, South Africa.

Photographs taken by Andrew Griffin, who specializes in photographing art works. He did a fantastic job, lighting and colours are spot on.

Wallflower series: 35 individually made, porcelain wall pieces.

Schema: 16 glazed porcelain wall pieces.

My Upcoming Exhibition

There has been no recent activity (I am not a regular blogger) as I'm in the process of finishing work for my upcoming exhibition at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban, opening on 27 October. I've had a couple of problems with firing e.g. kilns under firing and work cracking which is always stressful. As those that work in ceramic should know, one always needs a plan B or maybe plan C or possibly be very good at patching, disguising or creative fixes! It's been a very busy last few months as it is also the end of the teaching year and the kilns are all on the go with student work.

It's two and a bit weeks to go and I've just about finished all the making and it's time for glazing. I find glazing is a whole other challenge particularly when it comes to deciding on finishes/colours. The wrong decision can ruin a whole piece. I hope it goes well and not too many hiccups along the way... And please kilns, cooperate!

New Work 2009

These latest works are my first attempt at working in porcelain. This "Wallflower" series was a part of the DUT Fine Art and Jewellery Design Department's Staff Exhibition, titled "New Connections", held at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban, SA, in March this year. I have a solo exhibition planned for late October this year, at the same gallery. These works are a starting point for a new series.

I have found porcelain wonderful and incredibly frustrating to work with. But trying something new is always inspiring and I love a good challenge.