Andrew Walford, Book Launch and Exhibition

It is so wonderful to see the work of a true master in his field. Andrew Walford currently has work on show at the Apple i Store in Sandton and it is truly a joy to the viewer. The exhibition features bowls and vases as well as a number of magnificent enormous 'tiles'. This high fired reduction-fired stoneware is enhanced by Andrew's magnificent glazes and his masterful brushwork. Coupled with this show of work is the launch of the book 'A Potter's Tale in Africa' on the life and work of Andrew Walford. I urge you to see the exhibition in this stunning venue off Sandton drive on Alice lane in the Apple i Store. The show will continue until mid April and is not to missed if you have any interest in ceramics at all.

'Clay as Canvas' at Olievenhuis

On Friday evening 'Clay as Canvas' opened at Olievenhuis in Bloemfontein. Above is a view of the magnificent building from accross the lawns. I was asked to open the exhibition as well as to act as the awards judge. The images below show a wide shot of part of the exhibition and also a selection of my work

as guest artist.

The event continued over the weekend with a number of workshops, demonstrations and firings. It was so wonderful to experience the dedication and entusiasm of  the organisers as well as the local ceramic community. The entire event was a resounding success and I was honoured to be a part of it. The exhibition will continue until 18th April so please if you are in the vicinity of Bloemfontein do yourself a favour and visit this exciting exhibition in this magnificent setting.

Wonderful Musing.........

This month I have chosen Carole Epp's 'musing about mud' as the blog of the month. This blog offers invaluable information to all ceramists on a continual basis. Want to know what is happening at any time in the world of ceramics, or what competitions or exhibitions are coming up, musing about mud is the place to find all this and  much more. Thank you so much Carole for this truly incredible service. It is one of the blogs I have to visit every time I am online.
Also check out Carole's own beautiful work on her personal website

Guest Artist at Free State Ceramic Exhibition

I have been invited to be the guest artist at the Free State Ceramic Exhibition this year to be opened on 18th March at Olivenhuis Art Museum. There will be a number of my pieces on exhibit including the one shown above. This annual event comprises a weekend full of ceramic events. 

I will be presenting a workshop at Oliewenhuis on the morning of the 19th March.

The New Body (Part 2)

Continuing on the earlier post of the new body I am working on, here is an image of soluble salts decorated on the surface of a piece. What is particularly exciting for me is that the body is as translucent as the bone china body I have worked with, but this one is fired at 1060 deg. C instead of 1250 which my bone china body requires. I will continue to use the high fired bone china for my one off pieces, but am looking at what applications this new 'eco' china could have!

Blog of the Month

A new item I am introducing this year is a 'Blog of the Month' feature. At the beginning of each month I plan to showcase a blog that I consider to be of special interest to the ceramic community. 

The first of these I am featuring is that of my friend and colleague Eugene Hon. This blog not only illuminates  details of his process but also its archival and exploratory value for the research of his many projects. Those things that inspire or interest him are shared in a wonderfully informative way. His blog is crammed with items of value and examples of his exceptional drawings which direct his ceramic projects, as well as images of finished works and what it is that informs them. I feel that he has truly created a blog both brave and inspirational in concept, and well worth a visit to anyone wanting to get an insight into what Eugene's creative process encompasses.    

A Peek at My New Body

I am often in a quandary when I am working on something new. Do I show it before it is fully developed or do I wait until everything is finalized? Well, I am showing this before the final tests have even taken place. I am so excited with the results. Here is a peek at the new body I am working on. More info to follow soon.