Ceramic Studio Start-Up Rialheim Seeks To Incorporate Africa’s Diverse Cultures Into Its Products
Ceramic Studio Start-Up Rialheim Seeks To Incorporate Africa’s Diverse Cultures Into Its Products. Rialheim is a ceramic studio based in Robertson, South Africa. The brand was founded in 2012 by Rial Visagie with a small group of ceramic artists and specializes in shapes and glazing techniques that are inspired by Africa’s diverse cultures and beauty.
An expression of its culture and emotions through craftsmanship and design using African soil, fire and water. The company proudly designs and manufactures all of its products on its farm in Robertson hence its slogan ‘Ceramics, Reimagined • Handcrafted in South Africa’. Rialheim’s goal is to produce functional art that is fun and designed to make people smile whilst it explores the use of African clay.
Its collection is driven by the need to create whilst being inspired by its surroundings that are filled with the beauty of Africa and its people. It’s current range, explores the concept of being and becoming. A celebration of natural history and exploration of the impact it has on its future. Evolution addresses the very aspect of what it means to be human with a strong emphasis on the African philosophy of Ubuntu – ‘I am because we are’. This collection celebrates life in all its forms and encourages collectors to treasure the miracle of being.
Clairvaux Estate, situated in the heart of the Robertson Valley in South Africa is the home of Rialheim’s studio. An estate steeped in history, Clairvaux’s legacy spans five generations of dreamers who have been inspired by their surroundings and nature to make their dreams a reality. In 2014 when the Rialheim name was resurrected, the company embarked on a mission to transform Clairvaux’s barns, storerooms and stables into the studios it uses today. The Estate pays tribute to its forefathers who laid the foundations from which its new dreams have been created and continue to inspire the company daily.
