Clay Conversations with Andile Dyalvane
With a profound respect for the clay he moulds, along with a string of international exhibitions and awards, Andile Dyalvane is shaping the future of contemporary ceramics. We caught up with the visionary artist, one-half of the acclaimed Imiso Ceramics, to discuss his future plans, how his heritage informs his work, and his advice for young artists.
Andile Dyalvane is a Ngobozana-born artist, widely considered one of the foremost South African ceramists working with the medium today. His work focuses on sculptural qualities, with complex, large-scale artworks serving as conduits honouring his Xhosa ancestors' cultural traditions while exploring topics like healing.
He has exhibited extensively in the United States, Europe, and Asia and is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics. On top of this, he counts the 2015 Design Foundation Icon Award and being included in Artsy’s selection of 20 artists shaping the future of ceramics among his many accolades. Together with Zizipho Poswa, he is co-founder of the internationally revered Imiso Ceramics studio.
With artistic expression frowned upon at his school, Andile’s ceramic journey began by recreating family livestock with mud on the riverbanks as a youngster. After seeing Andile’s drawings one day, a family friend encouraged him to pursue a Diploma in Art and Design at what was then known as Sivuyile Technical College in Gugulethu. It was thanks to his elder brother’s financial backing that he was able to move from the rural Eastern Cape to the city, providing the young artist a newfound creative freedom and education.
“We were exposed to art through introductory excursions to museums, galleries as well as heritage sites and studied details in the architectural facades of inner-city buildings,” he says.
Thoroughly taken, Andile filled his sketchbook, which was meant to last the entire year, in just one week, experimenting with a variety of mediums, before settling on clay.
“My memories of home came streaming in while working with this deeply ancestral material,” the artist says. To him, creating the work, which is often driven by themes like grief and ancestral connection, is akin to a spiritual excavation.
“Drawings simmer, waiting for my gritty, clay-smeared hands to open and stain each page with my fingerprints; to collect them and fortify their place in this world as ceramics in material form,” explains Andile.
A similar channelling of energies took place to materialise the collective dream that is Imiso Ceramics and its masterfully crafted, texturally rich creations. The collective started with five young entrepreneurs 19 years ago, whose enthusiasm was recognised by the Craft and Design Institute, affording them opportunities to reach the markets they were hoping to.
“Four years after opening our doors, we were down (or up) to just Zizipho Poswa and myself,” Andile says, also mentioning the support staff and company family who help make Imiso a global presence today.
To aspiring full-time artists, he emphasises the importance of speaking up when clarification is needed, especially when contracts are involved and staying true to yourself.
“Honesty is the paramount directive for the stories you'd love to share with the world,” Andile says. “We are full in ourselves, with or without them.”
“On business, a qualified coach is a good idea, particularly if your financial experience is trauma-rooted,” he adds. Taking the time to carefully consider client requests allows artists to better appreciate their work and value.
Unsurprisingly, in line with their name, which is derived from the Xhosa word ‘Ngomso’ and roughly translates to ‘the future’, the duo is launching an exciting new collection at their Old Biscuit Mill studio soon. Andile hopes that the future of art and ceramics in South Africa includes the younger generation returning dignity to their elders and established artists showing up for those seeking mentorship.
Neil Büchner Jr for Letterhead