GAMTOOS VALLEY – A retired art lecturer with decades of experience is looking to inspire a new generation of artists in the Gamtoos Valley by sharing his knowledge and skills in ceramics and beadwork.
Colin McDonald, who retired to the Gamtoos Valley 17 years ago after many years in Sea View, Gqeberha, where he ran his own private studio, has spent much of his life immersed in the arts.
During his career, he not only taught art for many years but also played a key role in the local art scene as a founding member of Art in the Park, an open-air exhibition in Gqeberha where he showcased and sold his sculptures.
Over the years, McDonald developed a unique method of working with clay and ceramics, even building his own equipment to bring his creative visions to life.
Now, he hopes to pass on this expertise to others, particularly in communities where opportunities are limited.
McDonald said that the Gamtoos Valley, including towns such as Patensie, Hankey and Loerie, has significant untapped potential.
“With high levels of unemployment and limited opportunities in agriculture, I believe that ceramic work and beadwork can be an avenue for income generation,”said McDonald.
He believes that clay found in areas like Thornhill, Hankey and Loerie is among the best in the world and could be used to produce items such as bricks and tiles.
“I am eager to arrange a partnership with the Kouga Municipality and the Khoisan community to share my skills and act as a guide to establish a programme that will teach people how to create ceramics and beadwork that could lead to employment,” said McDonald.
After approaching Halalisana Township Incubator, a non-profit organisation in Humansdorp, with his idea of establishing a programme to uplift the community, the organisation suggested that he consider utilising the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey.
This would provide him with a base where training in ceramics can be done.
However, the centre has remained incomplete since construction began in 2014, limiting its current use.
The organisation has also indicated that while they are inspired by McDonald’s vision to uplift the community through skills development, they were unable to assist with securing meetings with relevant stakeholders.
McDonald said that the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance would be a great opportunity for participants to create designs depicting the late Sarah Baartman on ceramics as a form of commemoration.
He further said that his passion for art is deeply connected to cultural preservation.
Many years ago, McDonald said he developed a strong interest in Khoisan cave paintings and began recreating these designs in his sculptures.
Through his work, he hopes to contribute to preserving and promoting Khoisan culture.
“Khoisan paintings are far superior to anything else I have seen in the world, and I have travelled to many different places,” said McDonald.
He added that there is a strong market for culturally inspired art, particularly among international visitors.
“When foreigners visit South Africa, they want to purchase cultural designs that resonate with the country’s heritage,” said McDonald.
Despite facing challenges, including the loss of several individuals who had shown interest in supporting his initiative, he remains hopeful.
McDonald is calling on others to come forward and support his vision of skills development and cultural preservation through art.
For more information, contact Colin McDonald at 073 165 7664.
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