You have to be in the moment: Henriette Els on crafting chic ceramics

We chat to ceramic artist Henriette Els of Clay and Liberty about country living, creativity, clay and coffee

18 February 2018 - 00:00 By Roberta Thatcher

What inspired you to start pottery?
I used to work in corporate, and after staring at a screen for 10 hours a day, I began to crave a creative outlet. I discovered ceramicist Anne Rimbault's studio in Bordeaux, Johannesburg, and signed up for classes immediately.
Was it a quick medium to learn?
I was impatient to get onto the wheel, but Anne patiently made me learn all the hand techniques, until I was allowed to throw. And then of course it was much harder than I had expected. Much harder. But she patiently taught me to be in the moment. You really have to be in the moment, otherwise you get wonky pots.The best thing about working with clay?
The clay itself. It's like alchemy. You can make it do just about anything, as long as you show it the necessary respect. Otherwise it will smack you in the face.
And the worst?
When it's cold and wet outside and the clay is cold and wet and you're covered in up to your elbows.
You live in McGregor, can you tell us a bit about that?
It's a small village on a road to nowhere. The natural beauty that surrounds us is breathtaking. I run in the veld, which is the most amazing early-morning experience.Your favourite spot in your home?
My seat at the dining room table. Frederik designed our home so that we have a framed view of the Riviersonderend mountains. And at meal times I get to enjoy this view with my favourite people.
What makes a house a home for you?
My family. We've lived in quite a few places and without my husband and son, it would always only be a space to inhabit.
A household item you couldn't live without?
My Bialetti moka pot. Before I've had my morning coffee I'm intolerable and intolerant.
How do you feel about the creative community in South Africa?
I salute every single person who has the chutzpah to put what they have created into the public sphere. We have such amazingly talented people in South Africa and I'm often in awe of what people are able to create and produce.
The best thing about being a designer in South Africa?
I wouldn't be so bold as to call myself a designer (that's my husband, Frederik's role), but as a maker, I can say that everybody is extremely supportive. There is a genuine sense of community and the enthusiasm blows me away, every time.
• For more information, visit clayandliberty.com..

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