Lakefield resident crafts her way to success

Benonian Gari Louridas entered the Innibos National Craft Awards and bagged the first runner up after her third attempt.

The competition allows people in Gauteng to showcase their crafts and win cash prizes.

The Lakefield resident works solely with ceramic and started this as a hobby, which then turned into her passion and now her profession.

“Every year that I entered for this competition, I was shortlisted,” she said.

“This year to win second place was a shock to me. This platform is a great one in SA for those who cannot showcase their talents. It is a simple WhatsApp to the entry line and you are entered.”

Gari said she was always creative but nothing quite fascinated her as making vessels does.

“I was an addictions counsellor for years until I resigned,” she explained.

“I was an addict and when I began making these vessels I could relate it to humans.”

Gari moulds her vessels and then places them in a kiln that is heated to 1 220 degrees.

“Once melted, the vessel takes a new form. This is the same with humans when we face hardships of life, for we are the vessels that transform into someone new,” she explained.

She is currently working on her piece for the Ceramic South Africa competition that takes place annually regionally and every second year nationally.

“The winner will be announced on October 30,” she explained.

The crafter said she began creating her vessels in the corner of the lounge, she then moved to the storeroom and now has a studio that was built by her partner who she says is her biggest supporter.

“I intend to enter the Innibos National Craft Awards next year again,” she concluded.

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