Potter teaches his unique style to Hoedies
Simbi Zulu of Siti Creations is not only a talented artist, but also a patient and experienced teacher.
His vibrant and fanciful ceramic creations have been gracing the Hoedspruit Farmers Market over the last two years.
Zulu had big dreams of becoming a professional soccer player after school, but an unfortunate injury led to him to pursue a career in art.
He studied art for 3 years at the same art centre where his father was a teacher in Bulawayo.
He came to South Africa about 8 years ago and taught his skills to the disadvantaged youth in Gauteng.
A friend, who maintained his kilns in Johannesburg invited him to offer a workshop in Thulamahashe.
“I just fell in love with this side of South Africa,” said Zulu, when asked why he decided to move to the Lowveld.
He also exhibits at the farmers markets in Hazyview and the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in White River, but he is especially fond of Hoedspruit.
“The Hoedspruit market is the best,” said Zulu.
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“I’m grateful. I have a lot of orders. People are supporting us a lot, especially the Hoedspruit community…really, they have been wonderful.”
Zulu decided to offer pottery lessons when the hard lockdown ended.
He has set up shop at the Bosveld Centre on the R40 and is available for lessons by appointment on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Trevor Jordan and Lisa Harris have been instrumental in getting his shop going and he is eternally grateful to them, “I really thank them a lot.”
Zulu offers pottery lessons to individuals and groups at his shop.
A two hour lesson costs R150 and the students take their creations home.
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The pieces are fi red in his kilns in Bushbuckridge and can be collected after about two days.
He will have a kiln on site soon, so that students can also experience the fi ring process.
He can also be booked for a big group at a venue of their choice.
You can choose to throw a pot or try your hand at a mug or a spoon rest, or you can choose to decorate one of the raw pieces that Zulu has available.
This is a very satisfying and therapeutic experience and you can order a meal from one of the neighbouring restaurants, while you create away.
This is a lovely idea to keep the kids busy over the holidays or to have a shot at creating a handmade gift for a loved one.
And should your creation not meet your expectations, you can buy one of the beautiful pieces in Zulu’s shop.
Contact Simbi on 060 444 0803.
