Posted under At the Studio & Ceramic art Tiles
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My preferred creative process is to react fearlessly, acting with quick succession to impulses, before any conscious decision-making can contaminate the object in the making. I experience conceptual processes as flawed, and prefer to be shocked by the new object myself. I will view my own creations as unfamiliar, with a love hate relationship, myself inquisitive, for not knowing the reason for creating it.
I am exhilarated when working against accepted wisdom. I invent and create as I go along and the surprise of what is happening in front of me quickly vanishes, as I assimilate the opportunities this new visual surface affords me.
The goal is to have a product coexisting in a client’s house, taking on a life of its own, shadowing conversation, creating dialogue, mirroring the personalities discussing it, and in so doing making your treasured environment warm and inviting. Your home should make you happy 
and your choices regarding original handmade objects will reflect the truthfulness and fragility of your lifestyle and individuality.
Henre on 25 Mar 2008 at 11:40 am #
Hi Gerrit,
I’m the first to admit that I know relatively little about artwork and clay, but I must say that I find your writing style very appealing and makes it so much easier to learn about the industry and your personal ventures.
Nico van der Merwe on 05 Apr 2008 at 6:20 am #
Hi Gerrit
As you know my wife and I have been fans of your work for many years. It is very interesting to see how your studio and work is progressing - keep up the good work!
Kind regards
Nico & Anita
elza on 05 Apr 2008 at 4:52 pm #
Hallo Gerrit, Gillian and Helé
We, from the very beginning, saw the potential in your work and you have not dissapointed us. As real lovers of ceramics and also living in Europe where art is still and always will be a BIG item, we see much in your line of work and although no great experts we know that what you create is BETTER than what we see here! The 3 of you are really a great combination and with the enormous talent you all possess, it is no wonder that you can produce ceramics of such beauty and quality. We keep looking at each of the little works of art on your web. Each and every tile a treasure!! Your creativeness seems endless AND you have the potential to make it come alive. Keep us posted.
Frans and Elza
Tina Kroll on 13 May 2008 at 7:01 am #
Hello Gerrit,
I am new to your newsletter, having discovered your website through my search for South African ceramists to mail my advertisement to, regarding the sale of our ceramic tile manufacturing business in Johannesburg.
I am neither a ceramist nor a fine artist. However, being a graphic designer, I do recognize and appreciate art.
I have always had to accept the sad fact that I am incapaple of
“… acting with quick succession to impulses, before any conscious decision-making can contaminate the object in the making”…
Your next comment “I experience conceptual processes as flawed …”…
is understandable from your point of view but difficult to accept by someone like me whose very talent lies not in the freedom of artistic expression but rather in the meticulous, patient and time-consuming execution of graphic projects.
It is a different kind of art, but nevertheless - it is art too …
After more than a year’s search, we appear to have found buyers for our company and will keep everyone informed via our website http://www.peterkrolltiles.co.za - The new owners are businessmen and know nothing about ceramic art. They will be looking for ceramic professionals to employ.
I personally will revert to freelance graphic design and desktop publishing.
I admire the abstract tile range on your website. Nice chatting to you. I will enjoy staying in touch with a “real ceramic artist” (meant as a compliment).
Regards.
Tina
Gerrit Oosthuizen on 13 May 2008 at 11:26 am #
Thanks Tina
I have great admiration for graphic artists. I choose not to labour through an extremely long timeline of cause and effect when it comes to my art BUT most of our cash flow stream originates from projects demanding intense and arduous R&D,… I am blessed… patience is my second name!
The abstract tiles that you like is not a cash generator, only ocassionally will one attract a contract, mainly because the originality does not appease mass consumerism. These prototypes are made on request or just to stimulate a prospective client.
I wanted to contact you prior to this post, but as you know, the handmade ceramic tile industry rely on superior marketing, and margins that can absorb all the risks that the artist will encounter on a daily base. My practical experience is that with customized orders overproduction of close to 100% and with technically difficult orders that 200% can be expected.
I hope that the new owners will increase prices substantially, because it might be fatal not to, but my main concern with our original art tile concepts are to create a viable platform for talented artists to actually be able to build a sustainable and viable business concept!
Hope to hear from you soon