The peace that comes with clay
- Siyabonga freehandedly creates organic objects that feature natural markings
- His pieces are made with recycled terracotta clay
- He held his first solo exhibition in 2025
Siyabonga Fani aims to reveal the genuineness of his stories through the heart-shaped, sculptural ceramic vessels he creates. Encouraged by his mother and inspired by his artistic father, he discovered ceramics at the College of Cape Town. Siyabonga mentors his son in his studio, Siyabonga Ceramics, which he opened in 2013 and shares with his brother today. His work is rooted in family, ancestral tradition, the earth and his surroundings. Siyabonga builds his vessels freehand, which allows the forms to develop organically as he coils, smooths and shapes recycled terracotta clays. “I do not really plan my work, I do not have sketches. I just start my building process and everything falls together afterwards," he says. The result is organic objects burnished to a rich glossy shine and characterised by natural markings and cracks that mimic dry rivulets.
Interview
- Why choose to work with ceramics?
- I have practised ceramics my whole life. I feel a connection between me and the earth while working, which fulfils me. There is something magical about the smell of clay and the smoke from firing that makes me feel at peace. Working with clay helps me face whatever life throws at me. It is my happy place.
- How is your craft connected to a sense of place?
- I want to tell my story through my craft. To do this, I had to find my roots in the place where my father comes from, the Eastern Cape. I learned more about my culture, observed the traditional ceremonies and discovered that this is how we connect with people and our ancestors.
- What impact do ceramics have in your community?
- I come from a place where there is room for hope to grow. So, I am grateful for the opportunities I have to exhibit my works in prestigious spaces, because people can look at my practice and see that anything is possible.
- What is a memorable moment from your journey?
- In 2023, I was featured in a book called Clay Formes by Olivia Barrell, and people started to notice my work. After that, my pieces were showcased in a gallery that Olivia opened, and they were sold out within the first 15 minutes of the launch. My creations were also sold out at the 2024 Cape Town art fair.
Siyabonga Fani is a master artisan: he began his career in 1998 and he started teaching in 2009
Where
Siyabonga Fani
