Amogelang Maepa
I mostly work with clay, which I dig up from a river close to my studio during the rainy seasons – this allows for the clay to soften and become finer, as the water purifies the clay. Through my experimentation with clay, I have learned how to use this organic medium, determining how clays should be mixed and what works well together. There is a fluidity to my process, as well as a very technical and scientific approach when it comes to glazing and firing the ceramics; the outcome is never knowable, and that excites me. This process has helped me develop a natural language and relationship with the medium, which has now become instinctual and ritualistic, a part of my everyday experiences.
My sculptures are fused with poetry, drawn from my personal experiences – they portray the more intimate and honest parts of myself. The poems are there to ignite a connection with the audience and, at the same time, spark a conversation. Being honest in my poetry helps me to define my artworks and their forms; to a degree, I am handing over my true self through these artworks.
