Functional Forms

Ceramics has always lived at the intersection of art and utility. A well-made bowl carries culture, design, skill and personal voice — all in a form we hold to our lips each day. Functional Forms honours this heritage while encouraging makers to push boundaries, refine craftsmanship and celebrate the beauty of the useful. We hope this exhibition inspires you to return to the studio with new intention — to test, refine, evaluate, and perhaps even reimagine what a pot can be.

 Functional Forms will shine a spotlight on the artistry and

innovation found in functional ceramics. It is an invitation to explore vessels and objects

that serve a purpose — whether humble or experimental — and to elevate function into

beauty.

Who may Submit

Functional Forms will be open to all current Ceramics Western Cape members. Whether you are a wheel-thrower, handbuilder, slip-caster or sculptural maker looking to explore function for the first time — this exhibition is for you.

New members are welcome to join in order to participate.

Submission Requirements

Each member may submit up to 3 pieces, 1 of which may be a set. 

All works submitted must be for sale (commission of 20% will be deducted).

 Works must be:

• Suitable for functional use

• Fired and fully finished (no greenware)

• Food-safe where intended for food or drink

Please include with your entry:

1. High-quality photographs of each work, one of which must contain a matchbox for scale.

2. Title, clay body, firing method, a short artist statement (max 100–150 words) describing the functional intent and design considerations

3. Selling Price Guide: [(How many hours i.e. cost of your labour) + (Materials i.e. cost of actual amount clay and other materials used in the work) + (cost of utilities i.e. cost of running the kiln (generally about R200 for a glaze firing) divided by number of items placed in the kiln firing)] divided by 0.8 (i.e. accounting for 20% commission)

For example, a mug could be: [(1 hour labor R50) + (Materials R45) + (Utilities R10)] ÷ 0.8 = R131.25

Selection

The curator will consider:

• Functionality & usability

• Craftsmanship & technical execution

• Aesthetic resolution

• Innovation, design and user experience

Work that blends practicality with artistry, at an achievable price point, will be strongly favoured.

Cost

Each member may submit up to 3 works*. There will be a fee of R50 per work submitted. Therefore if you submit the maximum of 3 works, the fee will be R150. 

Account Name: CERAMICS WESTERN CAPE

First National Bank (FNB)

Account Number: 59381145811

Reference: Initials+Surname+FF