Ceramic Creations: Sanlam and Andile Dyalvane in Collab with Roche Bobois

In an exclusive cocktail event held at the end of November, Sanlam Private Wealth in partnership with Roche Bobois hosted world-renowned master ceramicist and founder of Imiso Ceramics, Andile Dyalvane. In anticipation of the upcoming Strauss & Co online auction where five of his once-off custom ceramic artworks will be made available, Andile shared his inspirational ethos, as well as his passion for ceramics and storytelling.

About Andile

Hailing from a small rural village in the Eastern Cape, Andile has a deep sense of gratitude for those involved in his upbringing and success. This gratitude, ‘camagu’ in isiXhosa, has become his ethos. It connects him to his past, celebrates his present and drives him to leave a footprint for the next generation.

In a unique collaboration, master ceramicist Andile Dyalvane created a signature piece that perfectly captures Sanlam Private Wealth’s ethos. A striking white vessel with blue accents incorporate an infinite line that represents the journey undertaken when crafting dynamic and lasting wealth – and the respect held for the trust clients bestow upon the brand.

Fast forward to today, Andile is now a well-travelled designer. He is also an internationally renowned artist with residencies in Denmark, France, the United States and Taiwan under his belt. He has also exhibited his work with great success in London and New York.

For generations to come

Andile starts each project with a line. A simple line that connects him to the past, celebrates the present and reminds him of the responsibility to leave a footprint for the next generation. This signature line represents gratitude — ‘camagu’ as he refers to it in isiXhosa.

The infinite lineage conveys the continuation of connectivity and as he himself notes, ‘the pattern and rhythm, the controlled chaos, depicting the mastery of doing something again and again’.

He prides himself on being South African and presents this through his work at every opportunity. His main inspiration is his cultural heritage with which he engages and responds to through his art. Clay gives him the opportunity to create something beautiful, valuable and usable.

‘Camagu’ has also inspired a new partnership between Andile, Imiso Ceramics and the Sanlam Private Wealth Bakusasa Trust. Through a variety of fundraising initiatives –including the upcoming auction – Andile is planning to upgrade his former primary school to further the education and wellbeing of current and future generations.