Corporate team supports upcoming young Winelands ceramicist
2009-09-17
UP and coming young ceramic artist Vuyisa Potina was recently given the opportunity to showcase his talents at the Grahamstown Arts Festival, thanks to a joint initiative between the Transnet and Old Mutual Foundations. The Franschhoek-based Vuyisa was invited by Susie Mabie, Portfolio Manager of the Transnet Foundation, to be an exhibitor at the Transnet Village Green. “I had exposure to Vuyisa’s work through the Old Mutual Legends program and realised that he could benefit enormously if his work was exhibited at the Transnet Village Green,” she says. The Transnet Foundation showcases the work of emerging artists and crafters through its Craft Access Program at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival every July. The support for Vuyisa included a sponsored stand for ten days, accommodation and breakfast daily as well as transport costs to and from the event. A total of 247 stalls were showcased at Village Green this year. By all accounts the event was a success for Vuyisa, who made R7 000 in direct sales and some valuable wholesale contacts, which have seen his ceramic creations being distributed to several galleries across the country. “This opportunity was fantastic for me. Not only did I do well in sales, but I also had the opportunity to talk directly with the market and find out which of my designs were the most popular. “It has helped me to focus on certain designs and refine my ranges going forward.,” said Vuyisa. Winelands born-and-bred Vuyisa is rapidly developing a reputation as an artist with great potential. He cut his teeth as a young apprentice to renowned ceramicist Rodney George, for whom he initially worked as a gardener, before branching out on his own and moving into a studio in the Franschhoek Live Craft Centre, situated in the Franschhoek Main Road. He proceeded to complete an N4 Diploma in Ceramics at Boland College, and in 2006 won Best on Show Award – New Signature - at the 2006 Ceramic SA Cape Regional Exhibition. In 2007, Vuyisa was selected to be a participant in the Old Mutual Legends Programme, a business development initiative funded by Old Mutual Foundation. Through this programme, Vuyisa received significant product development, production and sales skills training and was able to exhibit at Design Indaba in 2008, where he launched a new range. Vuyisa certainly has no intention of slowing down. He has just completed two highly successful trade shows in Johannesburg, and is currently in negotiations for a large export order which could see the world being introduced to his unique ceramics. The dreams of this likeable, self-effacing young artist from the heart of the Cape Winelands seem to be coming true.
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