When the term ‘ceramics’ is mentioned, the realm of magic might not immediately spring to mind. Yet, navigating this capricious medium entails a blend of enchantment, artistic skill, and, ultimately, acts of faith. A ceramic artist can never be certain that the outcome emerging from the kiln will resemble their initial creation.
Christian Buchner, a featured artist in the exhibition ‘An Act of Faith’ at Spier Wine Farm, which will run until October and is curated by the Spier Arts Trust, eloquently says, ‘While every medium affords unique possibilities, ceramics, with their arcane workings in the firing process, bewitch.’
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Uncertainty isn’t the sole challenge confronting artists who work with ceramics.
Tamlin Blake, the chief curator at Spier Art Trust, was prompted to organise the exhibition after visiting a notably sparse display at the annual Ceramics South Africa exhibition in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
Blake explains, ‘It was shocking because there were very few pieces being exhibited. Part of it was due to COVID, of course, but frequent loadshedding was also an issue.’
The act of ‘firing’ an electric kiln, the predominant type, to the precise temperature required for glazing can extend to as long as 12 hours. Maintaining a consistent power supply throughout the firing process is essential to achieving the desired artistic outcomes.
Thus, the challenge of intermittent blackouts has added an additional layer of complexity to their work.
‘These artists are struggling just to practise their craft,’ Blake says. ‘Spier Arts wanted to support them and give them an opportunity by providing an exciting exhibition space and an opportunity for exposure to a broader market within South Africa.’
‘An Act of Faith’ showcases over 40 ceramic artworks contributed by artists from various corners of the country. While each creation is distinctly unique, certain overarching themes have emerged.
‘Endemic to the ceramics-making process is the notion of transformation,’ Blake says. ‘Mud, water, earth and fire all interact to create and transform clay into art. But there’s no guarantee of what the end result will be. So there’s definitely a sense of magic.’
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Intertwined with this transformative essence is the artist’s exploration of memory and the realms of physical and emotional healing. Spiritual elements also loom prominently, featuring depictions of religious iconography, artefacts and artists’ personal interpretations of the afterlife.
For instance, Xirilo Wyne Ngobeni’s tribute to their late mother takes the form of funeral urns.
Each ceramic creation encapsulates a narrative. Art as storytelling forms a potent conduit, forging a deep, personal connection between viewers and the artists’ creations. An intriguing facet that resonates with Spier’s commitment to regenerative business practises and sustainability is that select featured artists have chosen to work with recycled clay sourced from pre-loved pieces.
Others have embarked on expeditions to rivers, dams and remote farms to unearth their own clay, engaging in a process of excavation, refinement and experimentation with what artist Mark Dodd aptly terms ‘wild clay.’
Whether hewn from the wild or repurposed, narrating a story or reflecting spiritual truths, ceramics, at their core, serve a functional purpose.
Amid the grandeur of the sublime, anticipate a touch of practicality in this exhibition.
Details:
- Location: Old Wine Cellar, Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
- Running dates: 23 June to 23 October 2023
- Times: 9am to 5pm
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Picture: Supplied
