Imagine a sanctuary where women can retreat, gently lay down their broken pieces, and craft them into stunning works of art. At Lillanie Schutte’s pottery studio, every shard turns into a stroke of beauty, and every heart finds its way to wholeness.
When Lillanie Schutte was praying for a change after a decade in the corporate scene, she never thought her journey would lead her to well … clay. And this from someone who never thought she had an artistic bone in her body.
Like many moms, Lillanie dreamt of being a present parent. Cheering from the sidelines at netball games. Helping with homework. Shuttling to and from activities. With two daughters, J’lincé and Janica, her dream was no different.
“I was just so unbearably unhappy at work. I felt like I missing out on so much, just for a paycheck. I then started getting so many signs that it was time for a change. Over the radio, on billboards, in church. Just everywhere.
“Then one day I got a call from my aunt asking me if I wanted to buy her pottery franchise. I just knew this was the change I was hoping for. All that I had to do was take the step in faith and do it. And so, my family and I packed up our life in Kempton Park and moved to Krugersdorp to take over the business.
“I’ll admit that I was still a little unsure at first, so I insisted on first working for my aunt and taking over the kiddies’ classes before buying the franchise. I was an introvert at that stage in my life and couldn’t imagine working with small kids and being creative.”
But it didn’t take long for Lillanie to fall in love with the craft, and get the hang of teaching. And so, she hosted pottery classes as an extra-mural at schools for just over a decade. Then came Covid. As many others, she had lost her income and so it wasn’t long before Hartzgemaak was born. Her own special pottery studio in Krugersdorp, where she teaches hundreds of women to create everything from gnomes and little houses to cows, donkeys, lighthouses, and bowls. Her bride figurines and pokkelhasies (bunnies) are the most popular workshops at the moment.
“The studio must be a place where everyone feels welcome. Where memories are made, photos are taken and friendships are formed. But most of all, I want it to be a place where everyone feels special and unique … the way the Great Potter has created us to be.” And that’s exactly what it’s grown to become.
Her classes and style have become so popular that she got a second potter, Annelize, from Pretoria to join Hartzgemaak’s vision. They now travel all over to host the ever-so-lovely workshops.
But it’s not just ceramics that bring Lillanie joy. She loves the sound of nature, weekends camping, and a crackling fire. She also enjoys a good book, spending time with loved ones, or a well-deserved afternoon nap. For Lillanie it’s about the simple things in life. It doesn’t take much to make her smile. “A message from someone saying they are thinking of me will always make my day. That, and a cup of Seattle coffee, haha. Oh, and a piece of Chamberlain carrot cake.
“I am truly blessed with a husband and a family who helps me to create a safe space for creativity and togetherness for other people. My husband Jaco, encourages me to be the best version of myself everyday. He is my partner in crime, my confidant, and my biggest supporter. His unwavering support has given me the strength to overcome any obstacle.”
Lillanie’s happiness comes from creating and helping others heal through her art. And that, she believes, is what life is all about.
Details: Follow @Hartzgemaak Pottery en Geskenke on Facebook.
What makes Hartzgemaak so unique?
I give a piece of heart with each workshop … and I’m just getting so much more in return. My husband loves to testify that I always wished for more than one friend, and with these classes, I have so many special friends now. I have realised women out there are so lonely and have such heartache. Some of them hide their sorrows so deeply. I realised everyone has their own mountain and I just want them to realise that our God is bigger than our mountain.
How would you describe your style?
I just love hand-building, so I don’t really have a style. I simply love a challenge. I always say I’ll be an art professor’s worst nightmare.
What inspires you?
The happiness when clients realise that they have done it. That they are capable of making something so special.
What can new clients look forward to?
To find out that we are all capable of creating something so special you can’t put a price tag on it. That you will forget about every mountain in your life for three or four hours while you’re busy creating. That you will come in as a stranger and leave as a friend.
What do you love most about pottery?
It’s like therapy. You can mould it and shape it to be messy and structured at the same time.
Your definition of art?
Just doing what you love. It doesn’t matter whether your piece of art is realistic or abstract, as long as you love it.
What class do you enjoy hosting most?
Definitely the bride/ angel figurines. They always speak to their creator. Whether it’s a broken wing or a praising woman, it’s like they’re always formed with a message.
Your life motto?
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.
One goal you’re never giving up on?
A happy marriage. My husband is my everything. To be the best mom for my kids but to be the best friend to my husband. He is the one I am growing old with.
