When it comes to celebrating SA creativity, Michael Chandler has always been a force to reckon with. The founder of Chandler House, a beloved Cape Town gallery and shop, Chandler is known for his knack for discovering talent and mentoring emerging artists.
In his latest project for Graham Beck, Chandler brings together two incredible design talents—Elise Wessels of Blackfan Studio and Glorinah Khutso of Renaissance Design—for a collaboration that’s all about craftsmanship and storytelling.
Meet the Creatives
Elise Wessels is the botanical wizard behind Blackfan Studio, where she crafts intricate, nature-inspired patterns for home décor. For this project, Elise teamed up with Chandler to create a series of slab-rolled vases that give a nod to ancient Greek wine vessels. Using her signature sgraffito technique, she adorned each piece with detailed botanical illustrations that practically tell a story on their own.
Then there’s Glorinah Khutso Mabaso, the creative visionary behind Renaissance Design.
Known for her bold, pattern-rich designs, Glorinah’s work reawakens African cultural heritage through a modern lens. For this project, she and Chandler collaborated on porcelain tiles, painting them with earthy, ancestral-inspired designs. Each tile is more than just a piece of art—it’s a celebration of tradition and the passing of knowledge between generations.
Craftsmanship Meets Collaboration
What makes this collaboration truly special is the shared ethos between the artists: a deep respect for craftsmanship, mentorship, and creativity. It’s about more than just creating beautiful objects—it’s about preserving skills, celebrating heritage, and nurturing future talent.
The project also gave the artists a chance to merge their creative worlds, blending botanical details, cultural patterns, and Chandler’s signature porcelain techniques. Together, they’ve created works that feel timeless, rooted in tradition yet refreshingly modern.
A Celebration of Local Talent
For South Africa’s creative community, this collaboration is a testament to what’s possible when artists come together to share knowledge and push boundaries. It’s not just about the finished pieces—it’s about the stories behind them and the connections that were forged along the way.
If you’re in Cape Town, keep an eye out for these works—they’re a celebration of the kind of quiet magic that happens when passion and persistence meet creativity.
