Do you love fine ceramics? If so, this work of art belongs in your collection.
This Cheetah Bowl is destined to become a family heirloom. Something that will be passed down from generation to generation.
Distinctively vivid, yet muted hand painted colours bring the realistic renderings of the cat to life. We simply can't describe the quality of this piece - other than to say that we're sure it would bring grace and beauty to your dining decor.
Dimensions: 6 inches x 10 inches x 10 inches
Artist Bio:
Thrower / Sculptors: George Manyathela / Motsamai Mokoena
 
George Manyathela was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in 1963, and trained at Mzilikazi Craft Centre.
In 1986 after finishing his training, he began mass-producing pottery items. From there he moved to Harare, where he worked at Simba Pottery and latter at Terracotta Pots.
He came to South Africa in 2002, and worked at Intu Art until March 2012, when he started at Ardmore as a thrower.
He says: “I can make any design or shape and style. I like my work and enjoy what I am doing. I love everything that the Ardmore artists create as it has a message, especially the sculpting and painting. Combined with my throwing skills it creates very good team work. I am learning a lot about contemporary art and am now also able to make pieces with a message because of the knowledge I have from Ardmore.”
Fée Halsted comments that: “George is a jovial character whose smile gets wider and wider.
George is known for his functional pieces, especially his jewelry boxes and has become a valued Ardmore team member.
Motsamai Mokoena
Motsamai was born in Lesotho Mokhotlong on the 20th of February 1990, he went to Asingwazi Primary School where he dropped in Grade 9 because of no financial assistance from my parents. He worked as a Sheppard till 2012 before coming to KZN where worked in a timber factory and a chicken farm.
Motsamai remembers working with clay from the river banks sculpting cows, goats and pigs which played with as toys. His cousin Bennet, one of Ardmore’s great sculptors encouraged him to join Ardmore’s winter school programme in 2017. Bennet has been Motsamai’s mentor and he is grateful for his patience. “I enjoy working on pieces that are anti-poaching and have meaning to them”.
“Ardmore has enabled me to provide for my siblings and for that I would like to thank Fee and Ardmore”.
Fee has enjoyed Motsmai’s teapot series and says he has a great future ahead of himself.
Painter: Winnie Nene
Winnie Nene was born on Christmas Day in 1971, at Pofane, in the Champagne Valley.
She only spent a few years at school before her mother asked her to stay at home and look after her younger brothers and sisters as her father was in jail.
Later on she worked in the housekeeping section of Champagne Sports Resort. She also married and had five children.
Winnie found out about Ardmore through her sister, Jabu, and through Punch Shabalala, her brother’s girlfriend and one of Ardmore’s leading artists.
They encouraged Winnie to approach Fée Halsted and she joined Ardmore’s ‘Berg studio in 1996.
Winnie enjoys painting large tureens and bowls and is known for her bold use of red, green and black. Her work is in the botanical, Afro-Persian manner favoured by Punch Shabalala.
Winnie is a tall, strong woman who has made many friends at Ardmore. She is often found painting alongside her sisters, Jabu and Zinhle Nene, and Rosemary Nikeziwe.
She loves her work and is keen to improve her skills further and to grow with Ardmore.
Winnie had a break from working with Ardmore in 2009 but in the latter part of 2014 she began painting again from home. She rejoined Ardmore Caversham in the latter part of 2016.
Her daughter, Slindi, is also part of the Ardmore family.
 
