Wonderboy Nxumalo 33

Wonderboy Nxumalo, the renowned ceramicist from Ardmore Ceramic Art Studies in KwaZulu-Natal, died at his home in Greytown on Sunday, August 3, aged 33.

Born in Greytown in 1975, Nxumalo’s artistic talent was recognized from an early age and he began an apprenticeship in 1994 with Fee Halstead-Berning, the founder of Ardmore Ceramic, which currently employs 80 Zulu women and men and is internationally known for its ceramic art.
Halstead-Berning encouraged Nxumalo to further develop his unique style instead of imitating other artists and his developing ceramic style became prized by international collectors. His work has been praised for its provocative poetry and surprising fusion
of distinct elements. Nxumalo was seen as someone who discovered the potential of ceramics to connect with people and communicate
his love of life through storytelling.
Nxumalo travelled to Ardmore Ceramic exhibitions that prominently featured his work at Groote Schuur in Cape Town and Christies in London and he attended the International Ceramic Festival in Wales as a guest artist.
In remembering Nxumalo, Halstead-Berning said: “Wonderboy developed an art all his own. It was the art of giving. He watched over aspiring talent with the same patience he showed when he was drawing and painting. He had an uncanny sensitivity; he always knew when other artists and myself needed a lift.” Nxumalo is survived by his mother Glodia Kanyile, sister Londie Nxumalo and his wife-to-be Sibongele Sikhosana.
Contributions to honour Nxumalo may be made to the Ardmore Excellence Fund, a Section 21 Company dedicated to training, health and wellness of artists and their families at Ardmore Ceramic. Contact Angela Gill (033) 234 4869