The shape of things

A journey in clay

We are all patchwork,

And

so shapeless and diverse in composition

that each moment,

plays it’s own game.

And there is as much difference

between us and ourselves

As between

Us and others

I constantly hear people saying

that the world as we know it

is changing and that it will never be the same…

I personally feel that it is changing all the time –

it has never been static for any of us .

I have been thinking about the notion of

How things take on shapes –

the forms that exist

For certain things – in fact for all things

How they come to be like that – and if they should

continue that way or mutate to follow a

different set of functions

And I feel inclined to look at this More closely –

and in the context of working with clay

looking at what we choose to construct

how we make those choices

and what path we choose to follow our creative

clay

is a tremendous material

that one must learn to love

And believe in if it is to open itself for one;

A curious material who’s qualities lie in physics and chemistry have not yet been fully explored.

Working with it requires imagination.

The Chinese and Persians, who perhaps reached the

Greatest heights in ceramics, were poets and dreamers in clay. The Chinese kept 1000 kilns firing in 1000 cities

For 1000 years. They followed the path of experience and patience and finally knew all there was to

Know about clay. They enveloped ceramics in poetry,

Inscribed upon it as an ingenious world of symbols.

Even the most exalted god, t ao, took up

Residence in their vases.

Axel salto

I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO

JOIN ME ON A CLAY JOURNEY

FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS

For these 12 weeks –

we will explore the History of the Shape of that each of us each of us – finds most inspiring in our daily lives

Examine the journey that the chosen shape

Has taken through history –

and how we can make and

construct these beloved shapes

in a way that we resonate with personally

How we go about designing and creating shapes that inspire and define our lives and the way we live them.

Objects that are Personal and Ceremonial

The difference between the two, and

How we distinguish between them.

We will research – and test

alternative materials – and how they function in the clay we have chosen to work with.

We will continue to explore and push the boundaries of red, white, buff, black AND BROWN clays.

We will continue with our research and testing of found materials from our travels.

–

translucent and opaque surfaces –

being fired at different temperatures…

how they resonate with each other –

and with our own creative spirits –

In choosing what “Clay-Bodies” we work with –

We become Alchemists….

We Play, We Dance, We make Magic with the clay-

and in turn

Re-create and give shape to

Our world and our universe…

Contact kim sacks for further information

Regarding clay journeys

(011) 726-6420 – kimsacks@gmail.com

Notes on the Yeoville Property

Kim Sacks established the Kim Sacks school of Ceramics in the 70’s. It moved to it’s permanent home in 1986 – where it is to this day. It is known nationally – as one of the most important Clay Environments – in South Africa. Many prominent South African Ceramicists have been trained in this School. It also hosts regular “artists in residency” programmes – accommodating craftspeople and ceramicists – from all over Africa and the world.

It is a wonderful environment where the study of working with clay is undertaken. Whether somebody wants to attend part-time pottery courses, or they want to join a full time training programme, which gives a person a thorough education and working knowledge of the pursuit of ceramics and everything that is needed in the production of hand-made and wheel-thrown pottery, all this is possible in this unique, personal environment. One has rural potters – working side by side with contemporary – urban designers. People are welcome to come and visit – every Thursday – we have an Open Day Policy

– phone Kim for details: (011) 726-6420

THE KIM SACKS GALLERY AND SCHOOL OF CERAMICS

HISTORY AS FAR AS YEOVILLE MAY 1998

The Kim Sacks Gallery was established in 1987. It was established by Kim Sacks who up till that time had obtained a Masters Degree in Ceramics and Glass from the Danish School of Design. She had been out of South Africa traveling and studying craftspeople and their traditions all over the world. She returned to South Africa determined to create and establish a space in Johannesburg which would promote and exhibit the work of Southern African Craftspeople and Makers. This she did and this center has been a thriving meeting place for artists, craftspeople, South Africans from all over the country, as well as overseas visitors and curators of museums and galleries in every corner of the planet.

She also established the Kim Sacks school of Ceramics, which is a wonderful environment where the study of working with clay is undertaken. Whether somebody wants to attend part-time pottery courses, or they want to join a full time training programme, which gives a person a thorough education and working knowledge of a pottery studio and everything that is needed in the production of hand-made and wheel-thrown pottery, all this is possible in this unique, personal environment.

The Yeoville property is regularly described as Johannesburg's oasis. It is a little planet filled with textures, colours and treasures celebrating the creativity of craftspeople from all over the African Continent as well as from all over the world. Approximately 1500 South African craftspeople are represented by the Kim Sacks Gallery. They range from Potters, Wood Sculptors, Weavers, Textile Printers. Silver Smiths, Metal workers and Furniture Makers. (Just to name a few…)

We also pride ourselves on a library of books on Ceramics, Culture, and Textiles.

Visitors and researchers are always welcomed and usually offered a cup of delicious tea and a respite from the chaos of the city environment.

Phone the craft center for opening times.