Ardmore Ceramic Large

Description

Ardmore Ceramic
Measures Approx.  -
Overall with Crocodile  -  20 1/2" long  x   11"  wide  x  11 1/2"  high with umbrella
Figures two  -  8 1/2"long  x  6"  high  x 5"  wide
Weight Approx.   -  4-5 pounds
Condition  -  Excellent Very Good
Please see photograph's for condition
A breath taking piece, hard to let it go, not in a rush,
two riders on a crocodile, life like with whimsical wonderful imagination
of life and culture, if only we could all be this way,
makes a room anywhere feel like cloud 9,
all of the pieces from Ardmore are with many hands to just create one piece
all of their works are one of a kind and all unique;
once you see the creative inspiration it took to create and the
sculptured one of a kind piece, and the hand painted finish detail it will blow your mind.
Sculpture and painting 3-d combined into one;
Enjoy the site visit, be well;
Handmade by Bennett
Hand Painted by Sehabiso
Dated 2014
Andmore Studio
Purchased in South Africa
This Zulu mythological animal rider sculptures Completely hand thrown, handmade, and hand painted; no molds or templates are utilized.
These animal riders are derived from traditional ZULU folklore.
Ardmore
is a thriving artist community creating unique ceramics in the Natal Midlands of South Africa.
The studio was founded by Fée Halsted in 1985 when she moved to a remote farm and began teaching local people how to model and paint pottery. Originally Fée worked with Bonnie Ntshalintshali, the daughter of the farm’s housekeeper, and they quickly developed a creative synergy. Their collaboration drew national attention when they won the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist award in 1990. Soon Bonnie’s family and friends were drawn to Ardmore to learn from Fée and earn a living creating ceramic art.
There are now more than 60 Zulu and Zimbabwean artists working in collaboration at Ardmore under Fee’s guidance. Two or three artists are involved in each piece, which is individually modeled and hand-painted. Energetic movement, intricate detailing and vibrant color defines the Ardmore aesthetic. Safari animals burst with life from luxuriant foliage to form quirky vases, candlesticks, tureens and teapots. There are also exciting forms of sculptural art based on Zulu folklore and tribal traditions. Some of the imagery is drawn from the deep affliction of the HIV-AIDS pandemic, which has taken many lives at Ardmore. The sale of their wonderful works uplifts the Ardmore community and their families as the artists are paid per piece and have a guaranteed market for their endeavors.
The success of the Ardmore artists has given them a special status and they are known as the “Isigiwili” - the fortunate ones - working in the spirit of “Ubuntu” – “we are because of others.” Collectors have been seduced by the wit and whimsy of Ardmore designs and Christie’s auction house has acknowledged Ardmore artworks as “modern day collectibles.” Queen Elizabeth II was presented with a bowl by South African President Jacob Zuma and there is even an Ardmore masterpiece in the White House. Ardmore’s vivacious designs of African flora and fauna have appeared on Hermès scarves and wallpapers by Cole & Son of England.