MATTER IN HAND

Explorations in material take on deeper meaning in the work of these four talented makers, whose collectible objects are as functional as they are covetable. We sat down with Chuma Maweni, Osanna Visconti, Simone Bodmer-Turner, and Ombia Studio founder Cristina Moreno to talk about unexpected sources of inspiration, pivotal career moments, and experiences that shaped who they are and how they create today. The South Africa—based ceramist has put his stamp on traditional Zulu and Xhosa techniques.

- INGRID ABRAMOVITCH, CAMILLE OKHIO, and SEAN SANTIAGO

From top left: Chuma Maweni's Zoliswa (Qavashe), a rounded mirror with a frame in clay tile; Simone Bodmer-Turner's Tulip standing lamps in textured white clay; Osanna Visconti's Bambù bookshelf in natural bronze; Ombia Studio's Arena side table in ceramic.

Chuma Maweni

The South Africa-based ceramist has put his stamp on traditional Zulu and Xhosa techniques.

The installation iMvelaphi, on view at Southern Guild in Cape Town in 2024.

When did you first think of yourself as a creator?

CM: There wasn’t a defining moment that I remember, more a realization a few years ago that people, from curators to collectors to family, had started to take notice of my work and wanted to know more about it. That was a very affirming shift for me, particularly in terms of how my parents saw me.

What would surprise people most about your process?

CM: People are surprised when they realize that my works are made from clay. They often think they’re made of wood. When people think about ceramics, they tend to think of sculpture and vessels, not furniture.

Visconti's cast bronze Campanula floor lamp and Bambu armchair.

What was the last trip you took that sparked your creative output?

CM: Going home to Mthatha is always inspiring for me and my work. When I'm there I can practice smoke-firing using cow dung. I can literally watch the cows in the field while I work! There’s something very interesting about this idea of going back to the source.