NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - Due to the nature of Helen Martins’ sculptures in the world famous Owl House, Nieu-Bethesda has become synonymous with cement and that which can be created from this versatile material.
PPC Cement has had a long-standing relationship with the Owl House, and this week hosted a Cement Sculpture workshop as a part of their outreach programme throughout the Eastern Cape.
Hard-working entrepreneurs have worked for decades at their craft replicating owls, mermaids and other Owl House images to sell to support their families. It was these vendors as well as other interested villagers who signed up for the three day workshop this week that attracted close to 50 people.
Daniel van der Merwe of PPC’s innovation department, speaks passionately about this group of people who came together to learn more about the craft of cement sculpture.
He said, “There is an intrinsic creative sensitivity amongst the people here. A soft, gentle energy. A creative brotherhood that supports and encourages the other.”
Together with concrete artist Damien Grivas, Daniel van der Merwe presented a programme which taught the technical component of cement sculpture, as well as the explorative, creative side to the craft. In a series of demonstrations that led to each participant creating their own pieces as a part of hands-on learning, these skills were passed on to all involved.
Traditionally, cement artists in the village have used a ‘building up and carving away’ technique to create the owls and mermaids that they sell. At this workshop they were taught new techniques of casting using silicone moulds which will increase productivity dramatically.
They were also given knowledge about various additives such as fibres, pigments, plasticisers and accelerators which improve the quality of the final product. Participants were also taught the basics of correct curing and setting techniques. Daniel says that many of the crafters in the village are stuck in the rut of producing only images that reflect the Owl House.
He exposed those on the workshop to other products made by industrial designers and showed that there is a world beyond owls and mermaids. It was also stressed that this does not have to be an expensive process… beautiful moulds can be made from recycled vessels, and added to using ‘tooling’ where the surface texture is transformed with scratching and sanding.
Alfred Hartlief ensured that all the knowledge he was given was written down.
Using clay to create prototypes to encourage lateral thinking and exploring different subject matter, a delightful assortment of sculptures emerged ranging from a bust of Mandela to quirky toads and elephants. Working on a freezing Saturday morning with temperatures down to -10°C, also added to the authenticity of the course in teaching how the weather and climate affects working with cement.
Evelyn Olifant said, “Ons het so baie geleer, en ons ek almal so mooi saam gekuier”.
PPC made use of various service providers in the village and provided delegates with a hearty meal and teas each day. The 3-day course did not cost anyone a cent. Jackie Mills said that she really learned so much from the technical aspects of the course - the curing process and practical advice is invaluable.
She hopes to now make a series of cement planters to supplement her income. Transfixed during one of the demonstrations, Emilio Caesar said that the course was extremely artistic and creative and that he had learned so much to be able to, “go forward with the techniques”.
The enthusiastic group with some of their final products on the last day.
Earnestly writing down information in his notebook, Alfred Hartlief said, “Ek het so baie geleer wat ek nie geken het nie. Ek is 100% tevrede en ek waardeer alles”.
The village is grateful to Daniel, Damien and PPC Cement who through their generous outreach programme have brought, in Daniel’s words, “a little bit of hope” to the village. The beauty of this workshop was its relevance to the village and the generous passing down of valuable knowledge that will benefit the lives of the sculptors in the village, whether it be for financial or personal upliftment.
Read a previous article: Free cement sculpture workshop
'Ons bring jou die nuutste Nieu-Bethesda, Karoo nuus'
