MORE THAN 100 WORKS OF GQEBERHA CERAMIST LOOKOUT SIBANDA ON DAZZLING DISPLAY AT CALIFORNIA’S MALIBU DESIGN CENTER

Gqeberha’s multi-award-winning ceramist Lookout Sibanda’s ceramic works are drawing the attention of collectors and retailers with his bold creations now receiving global attention - with more than 100 of his pieces on display at the Malibu design Center in California, United States of America.

His journey in ceramics resulted in him winning the 2017 Eastern Cape Art on Target regional exhibitions for best use of colour.  Sibanda has since earned regional and national recognition, as well as mentorship with celebrated South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa Africa in partnership with Chivas Regal, and best in homeware at the 2019 Visual Arts and Craft Competition and Exhibition. Locally, his works can be found on proud display at Elza’s Pottery in Pretoria, and Pret-A-Pot in Pletternberg Bay, at East London’s Lavender Blue and at the Eastern Cape Craft Collection Shop also in East London.

“Today, my company, Lookout Ceremic’s portfolio spans, functional ware, plates, platters, teapots, and decorative pieces such as hotel lobby vases, and chess sets among other pieces. Larger pieces range from R11 000 to more than R30 000.

“I am delighted that my work is receiving global attention, demonstrating the talent of Eastern Cape creatives and the economic potential of the creative industry on a global scale. Having more than 100 of my works showcased at the Malibu Design Center in Carlifonia in the United States is a significant boost and vote of confidence which should open more economic and market access opportunities for me and other local creatives,” says Sibanda.

Drawing inspiration from African heritage and traditions, Sibanda’s work pays homage to the continents varied terrain with a modern twist that moves away from the stereotypical browns and neutral tones often associated with African craft. 

Fresh from high school, his journey in ceramics began by chance in Pretoria, where he helped established ceramist Elza van Dijks, paint her work. While the experience was invaluable, following someone else’s pattern can be limiting. 

By 2008, Sibanda began experimenting with his own ceramics, mixing form and painted detail into a hardened full-time passion.

“I must also give credit to institutions such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) whose initiatives helped my business gain visibility and access to market. For example, the ECDC assisted me to participate in prominent industry platforms such as Decorex Cape Town and Johannesburg and the National Arts Festival which provided significant exposure for my business by allowing me to present my work to a larger local and international audience,” says Sibanda.

ECDC Arts and Crafts Coordinator Athenkosi Baliso says the creative industry is an integral part of the Eastern Cape economy and its heritage. He says the Corporation has provided intentional support to creative enterprises for the last 15 years. 

Over the years, the ECDC has provided market access opportunities to Eastern Cape creatives to participate in promotional platforms such as annual consumer and trade shows such as Decorex Cape Town and Johannesburg, National Arts Festival, Mandela Bay Arts Festival, Rand Eastern Show, Buffalo City Municipality Fashion Fair, All Fashion Sourcing, Fame Week Africa, Lithuba Lakho Visual Arts and Craft Competition and Exhibition, and the Johannesburg Art Fair among others.

“The ECDC’s support for the creative economy, which is also a cultural and heritage expression, is based on building capacity for sustainable creative enterprises to boost their global competitiveness. Our support includes market access initiatives to increase the sales of creative enterprises, providing access to local and international markets, and improved value chain relations,” says Baliso.