Local ceramic artists chosen for nationals
Westville's Lynette Morris-Hale and Kyle Pierpoint are sending their ceramic art off to a national competition in Cape Town.
LOCAL ceramic artists, Lynette Morris-Hale and Kyle Pierpoint, were chosen to exhibit their ceramic art at the Corobrik National Ceramics Exhibition in Cape Town.
A group of 330 artists who are members of the Southern Africa Ceramics Association entered, but only 161 artists were called back to compete in the country’s most prestigious ceramics exhibition.
It’s been 15 years since the director of a recreation centre in Vancouver, Canada, convinced Lynette to teach ceramics.
“I studied fine art in painting at the Durban University of Technology before I went to Vancouver. There, I taught painting, until the director suggested I teach ceramics. I jumped at the opportunity, did a crash course in ceramics and I have never looked back.
Her national piece was inspired by a recent French Rococo-inspired (18th-century artistic movement and style) exhibit she held in Cape Town.
Lynette, who said teaching art has always been her passion, said ceramic art is not about instant gratification, but the journey to the end.
The chairman of the KZN Ceramic Association has had her work exhibited at the nationals since 1997 and was awarded a highly commended award once.
Now one of her students is also featuring in the national exhibition.
Kyle, who is only 19 and is studying law, is sending his Alice in Wonderland-inspired piece, titled We are all mad here, to Cape Town as well.
It was only three years ago that Kyle joined Lynette’s ceramic classes and already the young artist is making waves.
He and his brother, Scott, who is also a talented artist, discussed creating an Alice in Wonderland installation for years.
“I grew up with Alice in Wonderland, but it was when I watched the Tim Burton film that I was inspired to create a piece dedicated to the film.
“I made my first teapot, but it didn’t feel authentic enough. Then we started discussing the same project for my matric finals and that’s where I came up with this idea,” he said.
It’s the first time Kyle’s work will feature at the nationals, as those who enter had to win an award on a regional level before entering the national exhibition. He was awarded a student award in 2012 and 2013.
“I feel honoured to have my work featured. It’s the most prestigious competition and exhibition in South Africa and although I would love to win an award, it’s good enough for me to have my work recognised by other artists,” Kyle said.
Other local and well known artists who will have work on display at the exhibition include Maggie Matthews and Andrew Walford.
Renowned artist to host local workshop
MAGDALENE Odundo, who was awarded an Order of the British Empire for her work in ceramics, is one of the judges at the event in Constantia from 16 November to 6 December.
She will also host a workshop in Durban on 29 November at Durban Girls’ High School from 9am to 3pm.
Contact Lynette on 083 540 4349.
