2010

It's a new year and lots of new ideas are buzzing around my head. I'm not sure where they are going yet but I keep getting flashes of what they want to become. It's a difficult thing to describe the creative process, for me it starts with an image, a shape, a form and even perhaps a texture. Sometimes its something I see in a film or in a book or magazine and sometimes I'm inspired by other artists. Two artists that I'm very excited about at the moment is South African artist Paul Edmunds and Brazilian ceramic artist Valeria Nascimento. Their work is incredible.

http://www.pauledmunds.co.za/
http://www.valerianascimento.com/

But before I move into the new year I think I need to post some more images of my second solo exhibition I had at the end of last year at the KZNSA Gallery, Durban, South Africa. These photos were taken by Andrew Griffin.

Also I'd like to thank Durban art writer, Peter Machen, for his review on the show. You can read it at
http://www.artthrob.co.za/Reviews/Review-of-Imprint-New-Ceramics-by-Peter-Machen-at-KZNSA-Gallery.aspx

More Wallflowers

Genus: large glazed earthenware 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.

2008 Corobrik National Ceramics Competition

I participated in the 2008 Corobrik National Ceramics Exhibition held at the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery. Guest judge was Peter Beard an acclaimed ceramic artist living and working in the UK. The 2008 Corobrik winner was Nikkie Swanepoel, who made a series of sculptural cow heads. I received a highly commended certificate. The work I submitted is a series of five small domed pieces, titled "Flower Series II". Here are some images of the work.

Ceramics SA KZN Regional Exhibition 2008

I was invited to participate in the Ceramics SA KZN Regional exhibition at ArtSpace Durban gallery. I made a group of five small works entitled "Growth". These are some images of my work on the exhibition held in June this year.

Work from Common Ground Exhibition, Cone Series 2007

Common Ground Exhibition 2007: KZNSA Gallery, Durban

This is a series of three-dimensional cone forms made from the same mould. Each piece is individually altered and unique. These are made to hang on the wall.


red spikes, green leaves (behind)


turquoise, honeycomb, olive texture



green rose
glazed earthenware
2007
size: 18x18x18cm


protea (side profile)
glazed earthenware
2007


protea (front view)



yellow coral
glazed earthenware
2007

barnacle (detail)
glazed earthenware
2007

artichoke
glazed earthenware
2007


artichoke (detail)

blue rose
glazed earthenware
2007


blue rose (detail)