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Charmaine Haines – South African clayart

June 26, 2012

Charmaine Haines experienced a pivotal career shift in 2001 when she vacated her respected position as a lecturer in Ceramic Design at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to devote herself fully to the production of her own work. In 2002 she relocated to the the small Eastern Cape Karoo Village of Nieu Bethesda where she established a successful studio and Gallery. Here she found renewed inspiration for her work in this adopted environment, which she describes as ‘sympathetic’… allowing for a more direct relationship with materials and consequently, being increasingly in touch with her expressive self.

Charmaine went on to experience 2 years in France with her family but returned in 2006 to her South African studio, being drawn again to the wide open desert like spaces of the Karoo landscape and the colourful characters that inhabit the region. Charmaine’s reflection — ” This experience gave us new inspiration for our work and a renewed perspective on life. Distancing oneself from the familiar, forces one to look at and to see things differently. Such an experience affords one the opportunity of gaining new inspiration, a time for work introspection, a time to move on to other things. One is also exposed to different cultures and how others perceive one’s work. It can have the added effect of vulnerability, exposing oneself to a completely new market. All of this is both challenging and invigorating and requires enormous energy. “

Working within the realm of figurative clay, Haines uses both abstract and stylised symbols and motives to embellish both her sculptural and utility forms. Vessels are thrown and altered incorporating sculptural elements and semi-reliefs. Coloured stains and natural oxide washes are used to further exemplify the manipulative and expressive qualitiy of the clay surface, including carving, etching and textures showing a strong sense of surface pattern. Charmaine Haine’s ceramic creations reflect her ongoing fascination and influence from Africa and Ancient Civilizations along with Medieval iconic arts, all leaning towards the avant-garde. The unbridled spontaneity and vivid colours, which are characteristic of South African art, is clearly evidenced in her work.