WATSON NYAMBENI
Watson has been Digby's studio assistant since 1981. Watson was born in rural Venda and was exposed as a child to the tradition of hand-making pots by his mother and other women. Although making pots is traditionally 'women's work', like other children, he would make and fire clay oxen. He is also the pastor of a satellite congregation of the Ukhukanya Christian Church in Midrand. Church members often meet at the Studio on Sundays. Between his studio duties and serving his congregation, (and when he feels the inspiration) he hand-builds ceramic figurines and candle holders (usually with a biblical / spiritual basis) which are raku-fired. An article about Watson, written by Ronnie Watt: 'The intuitive genius of ceramic craftsman Watson Nyambeni', appeared in Ceramics Southern Africa's magazine.
Below: Watson sawdust firing one of his candelabras.