wilde klei collection
The wilde klei collection is a material study in curiosity and geology.
Each piece is formed from clay harvested directly from specific regions within the Western Cape of South Africa. No artificial additives are introduced to manipulate the material. When grog is needed, we harvest it directly from the surrounding mountains.
The joy of this collection lies in discovery. clay might enter the kiln a mossy green a come out the other side a vivid red sphere. Clay that appears almost black before firing can emerge unexpectedly pale. The process is not about control, but about observation and exploration.
ranges
Clay from each region carries distinct geological behaviour. These characteristics are recorded under site-specific ranges.
In addition to site-specific bodies, the collection includes composite material studies.
witzenberg – laag _______________
Clay from the Witzenberg Valley carries a more volcanic character. It is elastic during forming and contains naturally fine grog. The density of this fine sediment increases in certain areas of extraction. Laag classifications identify distinct clay occurrences from this region without implying uniform depth-based layering.
cederberg – monster ____________
Clay harvested from the Cederberg region is less elastic and contains coarser natural grog. It is mineral-rich and iron-heavy, producing deep reds, oranges, creams and varied surface textures depending on preparation and firing. Each material variation is recorded as a monster.
hexrivier – sediment _____________
Clay from the Hex River region is marked by unprocessed, newly present mineral content. The material is less refined and carries fresh mineral contamination rather than older, settled deposits. This produces unpredictable surface responses and tonal shifts during firing. Variations are catalogued as sediment.
alle _____________________________
In alle, wild clays from multiple regions are combined at the slip stage during the wet process. This ensures full integration of the different clay types before forming. The result is not a visible mixture, but a newly formed clay body with its own behaviour and rules. Each numbered batch represents a distinct material proportion and firing outcome.
mengsel ________________________
In mengsel, wild clays from different regions are intentionally joined while still allowing their individual mineral identities to remain visible. These works are catalogued sequentially (A1, A2, etc.). Because each clay body carries its own firing temperature and structural tolerance, approximately half of these pieces do not survive the kiln.
Failure is part of the record.
documentation
Each piece is marked according to its classification with designated makers marks:
studio – vreemd / collection – wilde klei / range – site or composite designation
This system functions as a way for us to keep track of the various clays and document their behaviour.
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