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The Eskom issue was a relevant wakeup call for most businesses and individuals. I believe that an acute awareness regarding the abuse of resources will take hold. Up to date we could manage the power crises and it actually  made us  more resourceful in finding adequate solutions.

[Environmental consciousness]

I think that we will see an acceleration towards a more “green” and healthier environment in the construction industry. The application of our handmade tiles in the home, hospitality or commercial projects will recreate and enhance the feeling of well being that only handmade tiles can achieve.Environmental consciousness will drive producers and ceramic designers to conserve not just energy but materials and water resources.

At Southern Art Ceramics:

RE: ENERGY

• All the kiln furniture got replaced by hollow core kiln shelves that weigh 30% less and the kiln either consume less energy when using the same quantity kiln shelves or for the same consumption the output per kiln can be increased by 30%.
• The average delivery time has been changed from 15days to 20 working days, affording us the opportunity to only fire fully packed “dry” kilns.
• If at all possible the kilns fire at full power at off peak times, saving us money and relieving stress on the power grid.
• All clay products are dried in the roof if possible or close to kilns to ensure the shortest possible kiln cycles to fire the ware. In Hermanus being close to the coast and the resultant high humidity during winter months, drying the wet clay can become problematic increasing our reliance on the flow of warm air and heating.
• At the showroom we only switch on lights for walk-in clients when they need optimum viewing qualities. We aim to open by appointment soon and this will make it even easier to control the perceived presentability of our gallery, regarding the first impression on walking into a dark studio when lights are switched of.
• Looking at our past performance it is clear that energy consumption as a percentage of turnover increases when the business experienced periods of low margins.
• Moving away from mass produced dinner ware and a stock carrying entity towards the production of commissioned and customized briefs was in itself beneficial to the most productive use of energy resources.

RE: WATER

• The contaminated water is recycled in a drum. In the mornings the clear water is siphoned of and the “new dirty” water returned during the day.
• Training staff making them conscious of how easily one can change routines and habits is an ongoing exercise.

RE: MATERIALS

• I have done experiments with the slurry that is left after recycling water for several months and have been successful in creating viable tile products from this clay slurry contaminated by several coloring pigments, plaster of paris, dust, dirt, soaps, etc.

The net effect will be reflected by progressive development of new design elements and the next few years will see us develop tile concepts using the discarded and natural debris found around us. Leather and bamboo tiles are growing in popularity.

Think twice and consume wisely, it is easy, and the gratification huge! The earth is our mother, our provider and safe keeper. We must stay humble as we cannot replace her!

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18 years ago Gillian Greer designed this modern set, a real classic that has not dated at all. The clients who were so fortunate to acquire these sets are still as passionate using it today as the first day they saw it. We used to carry stock in these ranges but presently we only focus on commissioned and/or customized orders.

Gillian received this multi coloured commission the other day. The client envied a family member’s set for years and her husband went through the motions spoiling her with a set of her own. Feeling nostalgic about all these old ranges I felt a post would revive some memories while viewing some of these images.

The design is exuberant, boiling over with life’s positive energies. It demands to be used and shared with happy get-togethers. If you own any of our sets, be so kind to send us some images of you and the family or friends, engaged in lively discussion around our plates or mugs!

These patterns were customized in many ways, patterns were painted with a range of blues, others with browns but a combination of colours were the most glamorous.

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This old cottage in the picturesque town of Stanford, near Hermanus, is in the process of being renovated as a weekend break away.

The bathroom is one of the rooms where a pensive mood will take hold of you. The owner specifically chose our hand made tiles to go with the quaint charm of this tiny cottage boasting many features in which the hand crafted elements of construction provide a cosy home.

Each tile is unique in its own irregular uneven hand made surface with each catching the light differently thus bringing warmth and interest to the room. Four different tones of a cream were used to achieve a shimmering mosaic effect these exotic tiles will only enhance any feelings of personal accomplishment.

Visit the catalogue.

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These handmade metro tiles with embossed herbs will be the ultimate statement in your glamorous gourmet kitchen. It is a must have!

I cannot imagine your Aga, Falcon, Lacanche, or any stove for that matter without our new and luxurious handmade metro tiles. The velvety silky glaze gives these tiles tactile qualities that will compliment the enamel finish of the stoves and it will contrast well with the matt finishes achieved with paint techniques used on the cupboards.

Kitchen designers can use these concept tiles to soften the retro feel of these stoves in modern architectural environments or to enhance the classical nuances these stoves bring into the country kitchen.

This new range of metro tiles are handmade with patience with every single tile carefully manipulated to express its own unique and special textures. The end result is an enduring classic but in a modern contemporary idiom.

Visit the catalogue for pricing.

View this link with a Lacanche French stove and handmade tiles.

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At MyTile we are steadily experimenting with the use of new shapes, testing the market to see what and how they may assimilate this shock of the new in forms and shapes.

At first we test organic shaped tiles, then I did trees or rather landscapes on semi organic shaped tiles. My relationship with these could evolve from rather innocent reactions to cracked tiles but most frequently it is the hunger to discover new parameters and new points of reference instinctively.

When creating the forms in this post, shape was the initial stimulant, and with the use of different tools, materials and design elements of art the artist can then develop and re-develop the form taking shape in front of him or her. These shapes develop their own personalities due to all the different responses to it, and feelings relating to shyness, aggressiveness, awkwardness or confidence can easily be related to the character of these forms.

The technical limitations working with ceramic materials, might inhibit the speed of discovering something fresh, and at times years might pass before I shall re-engage with some knowledge gained long ago.

What will be next? Do you have ideas? Do these shapes excite you?

All that is new was possibly done before, centuries past, we as artist designers just reinvent and place these objects in new environments where different relationships can be shaped.

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