Yes, Hennie is a big man. But he is not just physically tall. He is a giant in the world of ceramics. As one of South Africa’s leading ceramic artists, Hennie’s CV shows his meteoric rise through the classic art shows of the country and is littered with awards and accolades. But he also is a regular participant overseas and has exhibited and worked in Korea, Indonesia and UK to name a few. His work is bold and distinctive, often humorous and ever evolving, and he has a loyal following worldwide. I remember one customer who travelled from Essex to one of our exhibitions and bought six Meyer jugs. On enquiring tongue-in-cheek if he was short of jugs, he replied; “no, they are to add to the eleven I have just bought from Hennie when I was in Cape Town!”
Hennie Meyer is also a big man metaphorically; – he has a big heart. He is constantly curating community projects and giving of his time, energy and creative genius to collaborations such as Ukusela eKapa. Sadly I did not get to see Hennie on my recent visit to Cape Town. But I have known him for many years now, and when I can visit, he always welcomes me to his home with a broad smile and a big hug. He is generous with his time and takes me through his studio, explaining his latest creations. Then, with true Afrikaans hospitality, he insists we sit in his kitchen and drink strong coffee with homemade rusks which has freshly baked for my visit. His charming wife and polite children pop in to say hi, and I am struck by the warm, familial glow which emanates from this big man. Yes, I am a big fan – who wouldn’t be? Fillingdon Fine Art is proud to be a UK stockist of Hennie Meyer’s ceramics and you can see his work on our summer exhibition, open from 2nd – 16th July 2016.
