The Underberg Studio & Catherine Brennon

Catherine Brennon, better known as Cathy is a unique ceramic artist who specialises in botany ceramic art.  Cathy lives a dream lifestyle in Underberg situated miles out in the KwaZulu Natal’s Drakensberg countryside.  Cathy established her studio The Underberg Studio six years ago in her beautiful garden, against the background of the majestic Drakensburg.

Cathy’s work is one of a kind.  Her ceramics vary from delicate lace and basket inspired forms to sculptural work and tableware. She works in earthenware and stoneware and uses different techniques including raku and smokefiring.  Adding to the beauty and glamour of The Underberg Studio is the photography of Lawrance Brennon, Cathy’s husband.  Lawrance specializes in capturing the rugged beauty of South African landscapes in all its moods, in large panoramic photographs; printed on fine art paper.

“The Underberg Studio dispels the myth that fine art galleries are intimidating, elite environments for the wealthy.  Visitors can look forward to an informal, yet professional display that invites discussions about the art pieces and adds educational value to the experience and for several people the beginning of ceramic collecting” says Cathy.

The upmarket gallery sells unique fine art ceramics and photography and is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am to 4.30pm and Sundays from 10.30am to 1.30pm.  Cathy’s ceramics and Lawrance’s photography are on view and for sale.

Cathy earned her national diploma ceramics at Witwatersrand Technikon in 1979.  For ten years she worked full time in the IT Industry while taking evening classes with Suzette Munnik concentrating on techniques and materials with strong reference to history.  In 1999, after working in the United Kingdom for a year Cathy returned to South Africa to pursue a full time career in ceramics, she began teaching from a home based studio and producing work for various galleries.

In 2003 Cathy completed her bachelors’ degree of technology in ceramics and in 2004 decided to leave Johannesburg and settle in Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal and set up a studio and fine art gallery specializing in South African fine art photography and ceramics.  In 2008 Cathy completed an order for Bergdorf Goodman stores in 5^th Ave, New York.  As well as producing ceramics that she sells from her studio, Cathy supplies items to several selected galleries in South Africa and is represented in private collections at home and overseas.

“Since 1998, when I returned to working full time in clay, my work has revolved around textures found in lace and basketry, and more recently that of flowers and leaves. The clay’s natural ability to echo some of the qualities of these materials are intriguing” says Cathy.

The Underberg Studio has ongoing exhibitions of about 30 different SA ceramic and photographic artists.  Cathy also hosts biannual exhibitions which are theme specific for visitors and coincide with the annual opening of the Southern Drakensberg Open Gardens Festival. Cathy’s home and garden is placed in an area, renowned for its azaleas, rhododendrons and roses and is surrounded by many other magnificent beautiful park-like gardens.

No two pieces of Cathy’s art are ever the same, she says “most of the lace I use I inherited from my grandmother and from friends, lace can be used over and again and provides an endless source of pattern designed into unique statements.  I use paper clay which is clay with added cellulose so I’m able to create fine, light ware that is often mistaken for porcelain until scrutinized. Penetrating light through open areas of pattern is an important theme in my work.  I use various sizes of bisque bowls made on the wheel, which act as supports and formers while the bowls are drying.  My work is bisque fired to 1000c then glaze fired to 1060c in an electric kiln. I have tried to keep the work ‘warm’ and organic by choosing to work with a white earthenware body, with a few transparent, coloured glazes, with rubbed in oxides to ‘soften’ and define the work.”

Cathy’s next admirable project, to celebrate spring is to host a Botany Ceramic Art Exhibition from The Underberg Studio this year.  The Botany Ceramic Art Exhibition will be open from 30^th October to 30^th November 2009 when the Southern Drakensberg Open Gardens Festival begins. The biannual ceramic exhibition will feature top names in South African fine art ceramics including Cathy’s work.

“The exhibition promises a wide range of fun, funky and beautiful ceramic pieces to suit all pockets and tastes.  Top national South African ceramic artists will exhibit; these include among many, Clementina van der Walt, Hennie Meyer, Lynnley Watson, Deon de Lange, Nic Sithole, Marina Walsh, Griet Buitendag. The studio garden will also be open to the public during the exhibition” adds Cathy.

Before the Botany Ceramic Art Exhibition starts Cathy’s talent and expertise is in popular demand.  She is running around preparing for Decorex where she has been invited as a selector for the Ikons Exhibition in the South African Handmade Collection.  Decorex runs from 6^th to 10^th August and the Ikons Exhibition which will focus on ceramics this year.  The exhibition has two parts; a ‘live’ part where the artist is physically present and a pictorial exhibit which will consist of photographs, biographical text and fine art pieces. Decorex is entering its 16th year, and brings a unique blend of emerging and established manufacturers and suppliers, large and small. Visitors can indulge in the haute and the handmade; the new simple and the avant-garde. Decorex promises to be a celebration of the most urban and chic spaces by talented style shapers, trend makers and décor creators.

Cathy is also preparing for the KwaZulu Natal Regional CERAMICS Southern Africa Exhibition taking place from 5^th to 24^th October at the artSPACE gallery where she has been chosen as a selector and invited exhibitor.  This is an exhibition for members of Ceramics Southern Africa to showcase their work, host a fantastic workshop and an awards event.  Catherine’s invitation as a guest artist to exhibit her botany ceramic fine art is based on her experience as an esteemed artist and gallery owner.

“I am honoured to be chosen as a selector and exhibitor at these prestigious events and I can’t wait for the Botany Ceramic Art Exhibition to begin” ends Cathy.

The Underberg Studio is situated 111kms from Howick (Exit 99 on the N3 to Durban) on the R617 www.underbergstudio.co.za

Please contact me for further information or photos of the surrounding gardens and Cathy’s work; these photos show the intricacies of Cathy’s work which are not visible on the website.