Happiness Sibisi's report Back

“The best memories of my life, I felt like I’m born again”

This trip has been the best and most interesting experience in my life. Travel was also a huge experience as I have never been in a plane before so to do this for the first time was just special - time zone, weather differences and different cultures. The whole process was like a new page opened in my life. To be on top of the clouds with little bit of fear and happiness at the same time. Wow! On my first flight I booked a seat next to the window so I could see everything.

The place is so beautiful Miami is the most amazing place I’ve ever seen. Spending days enjoying the place and taking walks on the beach was amazing. The best thing I enjoyed was a Duck tour where they took us by a duck-bus on water, where we were shown famous places, hotels, Lincoln Road, but most especially the Islands where all the rich people and celebrities stay. I saw Oprah Winfrey’s House, Maria Carey’s, Puff Daddy’s and other famous people. This was really a feast for my eyes; I have never seen such beauty in my entire life.

When we arrived at the show many people were very pleased to see us and admired our work so much. Lots of people loved Ardmore they say its full of life and full of colour. They said they were honoured to meet us, such talented people and so we were indeed special guests because of what we do.

As we were still promoting and introducing Ardmore to the people who have never heard of us the talks and demonstrations we did were very helpful. People really love the Ardmore story and appreciate what we do. I went there to demonstrate and share my talent so people can have an idea of how we do our work and how much detail and effort goes into each piece. The piece I was painting was sold before I even finished it, because of the story about the piece and meeting the artist at work.

We also did master classes for people who came to share the experience of touching, playing and creating something out of clay. We also taught the finer details of painting. One of the ladies I was working with said “I enjoy doing this, it purifies my soul and I can just forget about the busy world and everything around me” I was very happy to see that they enjoyed it so much - we all even forgot that it was time to eat! I met very good people there.

I say special thanks to Ardmore Ceramics and Pascoe and Company for this opportunity and such an experience. I am so blessed to be part of Ardmore Family. Thousands of thanks!

Victor Shabalala's report back

The main reason for my trip to America was to showcase my skills as a ceramic artist. The attention we received from the audience in our master classes was amazing. They all wanted to feel the clay. They all wanted to try a Zebra, Rabbit, Frog, and all different animals, which they wanted to keep with them. It was great because we are not always in the spotlight when we are at home. For me I think its great idea to take art to the people who appreciate it. They enjoy meeting and seeing artists at work and what happens behind the scenes.

Meeting and sharing ideas with other artists around the world was inspiring. We all longed for more time together to share ideas like how to fix and get lesser cracks etc. Meeting Richard Dennis of Royal Doulton and British art potter, Marco Antonio Nogueron a sculptor from Spain and Andrew Hull a sculptor from England was very inspiring. Especially Andrew who taught me how to make those big eyes better. I hope to work with him again in the near future to learn more.

It’s all thanks to Pascoe and Company and Ardmore for the wonderful opportunity.