Julia Keevy

In the last three years, I have started making ceramics again as an active creative outlet for my personal endeavours. My inspiration has always come from nature and what I am surrounded by. The colours I use are usually chosen for their vibrancy, contrast and to enhance the texture of the clay. The immediacy of the process is an integral part of the final product. Seeing the markings in the clay and being able to look and touch a raw part of the clay body allows the piece to speak of its true nature, which is of the earth.

My career in ceramics began whilst studying design at the Port Elizabeth Technikon, South Africa in 1992. After graduating, I started a small business creating decorative tiles, mosaic and pieces for homes and interiors. In 2001, I was asked to teach at the Nelson Mandela University ceramic department, where I lectured for ten years. During this time, I continued to create and produce many ceramic pieces that are scattered all over the world today.

I am currently collaborating with Beautiful Local Hands, a pottery group coordinated by Beachcomber towards their CSR in Bambous. I am helping local artisans to improve their skills and develop products to complement their collection.

Home - Beautiful Localhands (beautiful-localhands.com)

My work gives me great pleasure. I do create pieces for appreciation, in terms of the beauty of the object and also conceptual work which is created to convey a statement.