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Both Sondelani's parents worked and, as a result he was able to continue at school until the twelfth grade.These happy childhood years were interrupted by the political turmoil in Natal before the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994.Sondelani was only 14 when the family home was burned down and his family life became far more difficult.
In 2001, at the age of 18, this young man was introduced to Ardmore and Fèe Halsted-Berning by his friend Nhlanhla Nsundwane, one of Ardmore's key artists.As she does with all the artists who come under her wing, Fèe taught Sondelani the techniques of ceramic sculpture while encouraging him to explore his own creative talent and find exciting new art forms.
The range of sculptures produced by this industrious and dedicated young man include flower and animal platters, tureens and large animal candlesticks.His adventurous and dynamic creations are wonderfully balanced and powerful and have a very special charm.His work has been successfully exhibited overseas and, at the Christie's exhibition in January 2004, he drew considerable attention and his pieces were quickly snapped up at the auction which followed.
In 2005 Sondelani moved to Lavendula Caversham with Fèe and his work has evolved to free standing sculpture. |
