Parisian Artist and Ceramicist Vivian van Blerk spends a month at Tweni Pottery
Vivian was born in South Africa and after studying Art in Cape Town decided to move to Europe and led an interesting life which has taken him from amazing photography, progressing to his current passion for intricate ceramic art with hidden meaning. His work is unique and encompasses phases of his life incorporating wildlife with modern objects with a hint of Africa. You will often find a giraffe, rhino or monkey lurking somewhere and they all seem to be in deep thought or on a mission....
Vivian has exhibited internationally and his artwork is marketed through two galleries in Paris and one in Belgium. I was very excited when Vivian contacted me to say that he would be visiting his Mother in Umtentweni for one month and asked if he could utilise our facilities during his visit. Of course I jumped at the opportunity of having a Parisian Artist amongst us and asked Vivian if he would hold a presentation and workshop at our studio. He did, providing us all with bundles of inspiration and a new outlook on what can be achieved with care and what I call 'fragility fingers' On arrival Vivian purchased 10kg of our standard earthenware sculpture clay and set to work on his creation. Our kiln is bigger than the one in his studio in Paris and Vivian set out to utilise as much space as possible! We were amazed that Vivian took our standard clay and created such a masterpiece. Without going into detail, the artwork functions as a planter but is full of surprises.....the first shock for me was the incorporation of a half opened sardine tin complete with some remaining sardine and a miniature monkey calmly looking out of the tin!
https://www.vivianvanblerk.com/
https://www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/features/culture/why-a-passion-for-handmade-pottery-is-on-the-rise/
https://www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/features/culture/why-a-passion-for-handmade-pottery-is-on-the-rise/
Hand made pottery continues to grow
The Great Pottery Throwdown
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Frazer SmithHas an MSc in Advanced Materials by profession but enjoys 'creating with clay' and enabling others to enjoy the same Archives
April 2021
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