A reflection on process and heritage
- Zizipho builds large scale ceramic sculptures, exploring themes of culture and female identity
- Her studio operates a closed loop clay recycling system
- Her creative language is informed by her background in textiles and African cultural history
Zizipho Poswa's path into ceramics grew out of a lifelong love of texture and pattern. She initially studied surface design, specialising in textiles at the Nelson Mandela University, and later co-founded Imiso Ceramics in Cape Town in 2005. While her early practice focused on hand pinched vessels and tableware, she quickly expanded into large scale, hand coiled sculptural work that draws on Xhosa cultural rituals new and old, as well as the everyday strength of African women. Today an internationally recognised artist, Zizipho, who comes from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, remains connected to her roots and sees herself as a conduit to her ancestors. “Sometimes a person may have a message, but not the access to materials that would allow it to be properly translated. I feel very fortunate to have access to what I need in order to say what I am meant to say,” she says. “Every series I undertake is a spiritual journey. I receive every message with so much importance and honour.” Zizipho's hand built sculptural pots have been exhibited at Design Miami, Metropolitan Museum of Art and New York’s Galerie56.
Interview
- Are there any rituals or conditions important to your making process?
- Yes, I start the day grounded, using objects, candles and routines that connect me to home and I focus my mind before work. I ask for guidance from our ancestors and I do this again at any time I need it.
- What themes tend to surface repeatedly in your work?
- My work celebrates home, community and the lives of women who have shaped and raised me. I am inspired by their strength, their daily lives and stories of resilience and overcoming.
- Where would you like to take your art?
- I would like to travel across Africa, connect with my people and continent, and enrich my work with these experiences, drawing inspiration directly from the places I visit.
- What advice would you give to young artisans starting out?
- Connect with experienced makers, explore techniques and environments, and expose yourself to the industry. Learning by seeing and experiencing is key, beyond formal qualifications.
Zizipho Poswa is an : she began her career in 2005
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Zizipho Poswa
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