Maureen Visagé and I have just finished our newest collaborative vase, inspired by the Cape’s incredible fynbos.
Maureen shaped and hand-built the vessel in her studio, giving it form and presence. Once the clay was leather-dry, it became my canvas — I painted a composition of Agapanthus flowers, cream-coloured blombos, and yellow helichrysum, all blooms that speak of the richness and resilience of the fynbos biome. I painted with underglazes and had to apply two layers to ensure these bold colours. I find it quite liberating working in this new medium, as the colours I apply, changes dramatically in the kiln and I never know exactly what the result will be!
Maureen and I each brought our own craft to the piece: Maureen through clay, fire and glaze, and myself through paint and botanical detail. Together, this vase celebrates the extraordinary diversity that grows on our mountains and coasts — and the joy of working side by side to honour it.
Size: Hignt 380mm; Diameter 280mm