2023-01 (2023)

Hand-built and glazed terracotta clay

Fired to 1040°C

Louise Gelderblom creates large-scale, one-of-a-kind sculptural vessels that merge traditional African craft methods with a modern, global aesthetic. Rooted in the vibrant African clay tradition, she primarily coils and pinches, shaping clay as if drawing in three dimensions. Each vessel carries its own rhythm and texture, a wordless, tactile language that speaks through surface markings and form. Every piece is signed, numbered, and documented, reflecting her commitment to the handmade, the unique, and the integrity of traditional craft in an increasingly commodified world. Gelderblom holds a BAFA from the University of Stellenbosch, specialising in graphic art, design, and photography. Since 1992, she has focused on fine art ceramics that blur ornamental, functional, and conceptual boundaries, producing monumental vessels and totems ranging from 70cm to 250cm. Her studio in Cape Town serves as a hub for collectors, designers, and international clients.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Auctioneer: African Tails

Contact No: +27 (0) 21 510 7360

Email: contact@africantails.co.za