Ballito-based interior designer Lisa Twyman has launched a stunning new line of ceramic tableware and vessels, created in collaboration with local ceramic artist, Prince Qumba.
Lisa’s latest collection of ceramics combines minimalist shapes with the raw, tactile quality of clay. While she designs and creates the originals, Prince reproduces the pieces in his Shaka’s Head studio with inspiring devotion to his craft. We asked Lisa to tell us more about the work…
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE OVERALL AESTHETIC OF YOUR NEW CERAMICS COLLECTION?
Ceramics for me are always about form and shape. I like to keep the texture of the clay front of mind, and this is evident in this collection. The terracotta vessels are unglazed on the outside, allowing the real feel of the clay to be experienced. They have a simple bold form. The dinnerware is an ode to the making process and nature of the clay as well, with the process of carving into the clay visible in the textural finish of the pieces.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COLLABORATION WITH PRINCE. HOW DID THIS PARTNERSHIP COME ABOUT, AND WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?
Luckily for me, I met Prince at a friend’s ceramic studio a while back, before I was even thinking of producing a homeware range. When I embarked on the journey of producing (and re-producing) ceramics for sale, Prince sprung to mind as a local option for production. He is a master at creating moulds from the originals I make, and then casting and making each individual piece, glazing and firing them to the final product in his studio. His studio is nearby, which makes it easier for transport and quicker turnaround times.
Prince has the perfect temperament for ceramic work. He is patient and even-tempered. I like to create one-off pieces and then move onto the next thing. He can reproduce items over and over again, never losing his patience. He is a perfect match to this type of work.
I do get great satisfaction from supporting local artisans and businesses, and it was this ethos that spearheaded the development of the homeware range, so it was a natural fit.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE FROM YOUR ORIGINAL DESIGNS TO THE FINAL PRODUCTS? WALK US THROUGH THE CREATIVE JOURNEY AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU.
The creative process starts with a sketch, usually an interesting two-dimensional shape. I then translate this shape into a three-dimensional object, exploring the dimensions and surface textures by making various options in clay. Once I have a pleasing result, and am satisfied with a piece, it will be fired in the kiln, and Prince will develop a mould from this original piece, so it can be reproduced.
I lean strongly towards shape and form in all my designs, with my inspiration being anything from mid-century design and architecture, including furniture and textile design from that era.
Details: www.lisatwyman.com; lisa@lisatwyman.com; IG: @lisatwyman
Text: Jennifer Campbell
Photographs: Lar Glutz
