Paarl
Paarl maker residency
Bench, mark, and ceramic jig for a two-week residency.
Field notes on the brief and site conditions
The residency in Paarl called for a robust studio bench, a custom maker mark in brass, and a ceramic studio jig. The studio was set up in a heritage barn, with midday sun streaming in through high sash windows. Paarl's autumn weather meant crisp mornings and plenty of late-afternoon light, good for clay work but demanding for wood, which can shift with the daily temperature swings. The brief was to enable visiting makers to prototype ceramic forms and leave a lasting marker for future residents.
For the bench, we selected Kiaat as the primary timber, jointed at 2.2 metres for a stable surface, and fitted it with local steel legs sealed against the region’s dust. The mark was milled from a recycled brass plate, small enough to fit comfortably in a potter’s hand. The ceramic jig was laser-cut birch ply with steel pins, sized for 20 cm tiles, to withstand repeat use in a shared environment. Our bakkie ran up the N1 loaded with everything, and assembly happened on site, with final sanding and oiling done once the bench had settled to the barn’s temperature.
What worked and carried forward
Several details from Paarl filtered into later jobs, especially for shared studios and educational spaces. The bench coped well with mixed-use, from hand-building to glazing sessions. We saw how crucial it was to finish all woodwork on site, letting the timber settle before final assembly. The modular ceramic jig also proved its worth: it was easy to pack flat, then re-pin as needed for different tile sizes. The brass mark left a crisp impression, and its small size meant it travelled well between different makers’ hands.
- On-site finishing for timber benches reduced warping in variable climates.
- Modular jigs with removable pins adapted easily to new ceramic projects.
- Compact brass marks were practical for mobile residencies.
- Steel-legged benches held up well to heavy use and frequent rearrangement.
What we would change next time
Next round, we’d pre-treat timber with a UV oil before transport, to better handle Paarl’s temperature spikes. The steel legs picked up fine barn dust, so we’d look at a higher gloss powder coat for easier cleaning. The ceramic jig’s pins could be thicker and rubber-tipped for easier grip, especially after repeat firings. Lastly, we’d pack a portable vacuum to keep sanding dust off the clay and make the shared space less chaotic. For more on our process, reach us at atelier@creationafrica.co.za.