Leading light
Condé Nast House & Garden|May - June 2023
Fresh from exhibiting his new collection of sculptural lights – Time Lapse - in Europe, ceramic wunderkind Jan Ernst gives H&G a tour of his new studio space and talks creative collaboration, finding inspiration in nature and what sets South African designers apart
PIET SMEDY
Leading light

You’re in your own studio space – does it feel like a new beginning of sorts?

JAN ERNST: Moving into a new studio has been incredibly rewarding on both a philosophical and pragmatic level. Vorster and Braye Ceramics was my first address and a safe space to launch my career; a supportive environment and creative space to explore and learn. During my artist residency in France, I realised that the pace of the work and the nature of the studio would change – we needed more space. In October last year, my team and I moved into a beautiful 100-square-metre studio in the heart of Woodstock.

Laying down the bones was a mammoth task. As an architect, I was able to design the space with the intention of creating an environment that could evolve to accommodate our ever-changing needs. Before I knew it, the three of us – Arnold Masiko, Prince Maposa and I – were fixing joinery to the wall.

Today, there’s a sense of camaraderie and collaborative working that flourished from the moment we called this space home. As far as the work is concerned, it has most certainly influenced the way we think about ceramics and the way we create.

As your exploration and understanding of clay as a material grows, how has this manifested in the forms that you create? 

JAN: The Time Lapse collection has pushed the studio further than what we thought we were capable of, due to the complexity of form, the scale of the artworks and the combination of material.

This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Condé Nast House & Garden.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Condé Nast House & Garden.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CONDÉ NAST HOUSE & GARDENView All
Family First
Condé Nast House & Garden

Family First

Surrounded by mountainous terrain and a coniferous forest, Studio PLOW ensured this family home embraces its habitat, while offering a cosy and inviting family refuge

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2023
Close to home
Condé Nast House & Garden

Close to home

While the sparrows flock to Europe in search of warmth in the winter, locals know that hiding in plain sight are hideaways ranging from safari stays to country cabins - that highlight the best parts of the cooler, quieter months of the year.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2023
Simply STYLISH
Condé Nast House & Garden

Simply STYLISH

A stylish update on decorating your home or redesigning your architectural space this winter

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023
Night at the MUSEUM
Condé Nast House & Garden

Night at the MUSEUM

In a collaboration between Investec Cape Town Art Fair and the Mount Nelson Hotel, Anelisa Mangeu has curated her second exhibition titled An Endless Night' celebrating the synergy between these landmark spaces

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023
NATURAL HABITAT
Condé Nast House & Garden

NATURAL HABITAT

Surefire tips to wow and whimsy with Dulux Colour of the Year 2023 Wild Wonder™

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023
Earth BOUND
Condé Nast House & Garden

Earth BOUND

Adam Court, director and designer at OKHA reveals the innermost workings of his creative mind and design process

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023
DOUBLE TAKE
Condé Nast House & Garden

DOUBLE TAKE

Part getaway, part meeting space, this Chelsea apartment by Hubert Zanberg Interiors hits every note for an out-of-town client

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023
VIEW FROM THE TOP
Condé Nast House & Garden

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Situated at the top of the iconic One&Only Cape Town resort, this penthouse boasts some of the best views of the Mother City

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023
CALL TO NATURE
Condé Nast House & Garden

CALL TO NATURE

The gardens and ephemeral planting palettes at Sterrekopje healing farm in Franschhoek are as much a reawakening of the senses as they are a connection to nature

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2023
the SOFT LIFE
Condé Nast House & Garden

the SOFT LIFE

From lush gardens to sumptuous interiors, this beautiful home designed by Simone Katherine Interiors is all about comfort and a big focus on family

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2023