Education - Capoeira is strong in Hamburg!

The group in Hamburg continue to train hard daily. As some members of the group are leaving town to study at University the group are welcoming new members, taking time to teach the new comers the basics of capoeira.

Having recently received a digital camera and laptop the group are now keen to use these tools, they have plans to make a documentary about the group; it’s beginnings, members day to day lives and what it is that keeps them training each day.

The prospect of a visit from Luis Negao in June/July is something all the group are very much looking forward to.

The group have an exciting year of plans ahead which will be made possible from recent fundraising efforts in the uk and in the Education programme of the Keiskamma Trust. The plans include performances at local festivals and a trip to a local game park for performances, history of capoeira and music practice. The group are also beginning to incorporate HIV and AIDs education into their activity plans to look at lifestyle and how this influences health.

It was a pleasure to see the group again and to train with them, they play very good capoeira, and the energy in their rodas is something we can all aim for.

Post by Kat Carpenter (Morena Clara) - Abolicao Oxford

Art - Ceramics workshops

The Art Project hosted two ceramics workshops thanks to MTN SA Foundation.


In October 2010, Margy Malan ran a one-month workshop

Nine adults attended. Some had little or no practice in drawing. All engaged with enthusiasm and determination.

The first part of the workshop consisted in drawing and observation using sketch books and digital camera to collect data for a journal. The handcrafting of the books in the form of a journal, cardboard boxes became rich tactile pages line drawing in pencil and brush as well as watercolours, gouache and collages, telling stories.

Photographic images portraying homes enabled access to the inner story – each person has a unique contribution.

Margy Malan went to the homes of all nine people to make photos. This contributed in a closeness and sharing and being able to have friendship and understanding working on the books and pottery.

Then came practical steps in pottery hand technique and the application of design – extracted from journal, using appropriate technique – simple press moulds (original moulds – not plaster of Paris) and slab technique with colour pigments for decor – there is the added advantage of utilising the printing facility for decal application.

The firing of entire works to completion – Bisc and glaze, slab making for press moulding was prevalent using a bisc bowl and plate. These shapes became canvass for interpreting images from their journals. They used underglaze paints on green and bisc ware – with transparent overglaze – mixing of glaze and glaze application – as well as packing and firing the kiln.
The students were experimenting using the decals from the photographic images of their journals onto their own smoke fired pots. They also tested decals on commercial white china.

An exhibition was set in December 2010 for the official opening of the ceramics studio. The decal decors were much appreciated and sales were successful.

In February 2011, Susan Sellschop ran a one-week workshop

The participants experimented clay printing process using a monotype technique and cobalt oxide as the print medium.

Slab making techniques were demonstrated and the slabs made into a flat dish and a tall cylinder vase that would be suitable to make using the printed slabs.

Two glass sheets were covered with a cobalt oxide and frit mix and dried ready for the demonstration.

All participants were asked to make a plant drawing ready for the next step of the process.
The printing technique was demonstrated using layout paper with a drawing of an aloe on it. The drawing was transferred to a slab which was later formed into a flat dish. Printed slabs were also made into cylinder vases.

After bisque firing, a process of colouring the drawings in a soft, water-colour technique was demonstrated.
All the bisque ware was glazed.

The firing was successful and the well-finished items are booked for an exhibition at Oude Libertas in July 2011.



Post by Florence Danais
after reports by Margy Malan and Susan Sellschop

Art - South African Tourism

The South African Tourism website recommends the Keiskamma Art Project.

Click here to read the online article.

Music - Plans for 2011

Our year started with an intensive teaching week with Kgothatso Kekano. Anna Ferl’s help (volunteer from the DED) was indispensable. As the children stated their highlights of the week, the beginners’ group mentioned how proud they feel to have started doing theory too. The kids also revel in the opportunity to excel and progress as fast as they determine through their own diligence.

Kgothatso Kekana (she is centre standing with a black top) hails from Mamelodi, Pretoria. She has just completed her BMUS majoring in recorder at the University of Pretoria under Mandy Low.

Our teaching programme for 2011 incorporates several facets and staff:

1) Weekly recorder and theory lessons with teachers from the cities close by.

2) The orchestral instrument component happens in Grahamstown since the closest teachers are in these centres. Three –four composition and ensemble workshops are planned for this year.

3) Expert recorder teachers come and teach about three to four times per annum (mostly during school holidays). During these sessions students have two lessons a day and the progress is phenomenal! These expert teachers are sometimes from within South Africa, sometimes from abroad.

4) I go to Hamburg roughly every four – six weeks to visit with the students, oversee and plan and manage the various aspects.

Compiled by Helen Vosloo, Founder