MAR /APRIL 2025
THE GREYTON POST
13
The Artful Balance: An Interview with Zinead Karolus, Genadendal’s Clay Artisan Zinead, could you share with us how you first
it beautiful, it taught me the beauty of unexpected outcomes. How has the community reacted to your work? Do you collaborate with other local artists? The community’s support has been overwhelming. It’s heartwarming to see people engage with Genadendal and appreciate its magic. We’ve collaborated with local businesses, which has been enriching for everyone involved. What future projects are you excited about, and what direction do you see your clay work taking in the coming years? One of my main goals is to establish after- school programs for local
my husband, Divine. We’ve been moving toward using wild clay, which we collect locally. Divine also creates pigments from rocks we find in the river behind our studio, which we use to glaze our pottery. In this way, we honor Genadendal’s history, creating beautifully with its natural resources. Can you describe a typical day for you in the studio? My day starts by opening up the studio to let fresh air in. I check on pieces from our Clay Collective—are they dry enough for firing or ready to glaze? After that, I might load the kiln, check our clay stock, or process our wild clay, depending on the day’s needs. I might throw something new on the wheel or prepare for the next Clay Collective session. Each day is different but always rooted in the clay process. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your craft, and how do you overcome them? Creating an inclusive space is challenging due to our financial constraints, which also make acquiring high- quality materials difficult. Another personal challenge is not getting too attached to my work since pottery involves many stages where things can go wrong. Could you tell us about a particularly memorable piece you’ve created? What was the story behind it? The first piece I made was a wavy, hand-built vase. It started as a simple bowl, but as a beginner, the edges folded in, creating a unique coral reef shape. I finished it in glossy white, and despite its imperfections, I found
became involved with clay and what drew you to this art form? A few years back, I tried some pottery classes. I had been searching for something to bring me joy and ignite a spark within me. When I first touched clay, it was an instant connection—I was hooked! Although attending sessions regularly was financially challenging, I kept at it, working with clay whenever I had the opportunity. What draws me to clay is its forgiving nature. My background in piano was very structured and at times, stressful. Clay is the complete opposite. It allows me to create, flow, and release expectations. The results are always unexpected and often beautiful. Your work at the Moravian church premises in Genadendal is quite inspiring. What significance does this location hold for you and your craft? Genadendal is not just a place; it’s my ancestral home, where I’m deeply rooted. When I’m here, I feel grounded, supported by the legacy of those who came before me. It’s here that I gave birth to my son, connecting him to this powerful heritage. The history of the Khoi, the original inhabitants, who were skilled potters, deeply influences my work. They crafted pottery as a fundamental part of their livelihood, long before it became a modern hobby. How do you incorporate the rich history of Genadendal into your clay creations? I collaborate closely with
Weekly clay dates : Kid’s clay collective - Thursday 3-3:45pm Clay collective - Thursday 5-7pm Clay collective - Friday morning 10-12am Tel: 071 540 7103
children, teaching them from digging for their clay to the finished product.. This would provide a creative outlet for them. Personally, I’m focusing on using only wild clay and exploring more of the feminine form in my work, letting the clay flow into natural, soft shapes.
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