Michelle Legg Ceramics
Maker - Teacher
Gallery
Warrior Woman Series
About
Michelle Legg is a distinguished ceramic artist whose work seamlessly blends tradition, research, and innovation. With a National Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology in Ceramic Design, both earned with distinction, her journey has been marked by excellence and creativity. Having held a celebrated Master’s exhibition at Zuva Gallery, Johannesburg, and obtained her Masters of Technology in Ceramic Design from the University of Johannesburg, Legg has continually pushed the boundaries of ceramic artistry.
At the heart of Legg's practice is a passionate exploration of form and surface. Her work uniquely integrates an age old tradition of ceramics with the delicate intricacies of European lace designs. These lace motifs are not mere decorative elements; they are an integral part of the surface, weaving a complex narrative that honors tradition, elevation of detail, and the interplay between fragility and strength.Her series, WOMAN WARRIOR, pays homage to the formidable spirit of female warriors throughout history. Through this work, Legg encapsulates the strength, independence, and enduring power of women, a reminder of the protective and empowering forces that shape and define our cultural landscapes.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries regarding work or classes.
Exhibitions and Awards
Michelle Legg
Ceramic Designer & ArtistAcademic Qualifications
2007: Master of Technology in Ceramic Design, University of Johannesburg
Published dissertation: SAGGAR FIRED CERAMICS, Incorporating European Lace Design1998: Bachelor of Technology in Ceramic Design, Cum Laude, Technikon Witwatersrand, Johannesburg1997: National Diploma in Ceramic Design, Technikon Witwatersrand, JohannesburgScholarships, Grants & Awards
2012: Fellowship of Ceramics Southern Africa2011: Premier Award, Ultra-Furn Regional Ceramic Exhibition, Pretoria2010: Ndebele Milling and Mining Award, Ultra-Furn Regional Ceramic Exhibition, Johannesburg2001: International Ceramic Institute Residency, Skaelskor, Denmark2000: Bronze Award Winner, Vita Craft Now Millennium Awards Exhibition1998: Technikon Witwatersrand Medal for Academic Achievement: Bachelor of Technology, Cum Laude1999: TRC Research Grant (TWR)1997: Tim Morris Bursary Award1995: Glazcor Award for Design, A.P.S.A Regional Exhibition, JohannesburgPublic Collections
William Humphreys Art Gallery, Kimberley, South AfricaInternational Ceramic Institute, Skaelskor, DenmarkCorobrick Collection, Pretoria Art Museum, South AfricaRand Merchant Bank, Johannesburg, South AfricaFirst National Bank, Johannesburg, South AfricaUniversity of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South AfricaSolo & Group Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
2003: Zuva Gallery, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, South AfricaGroup Exhibitions
2023: Ceramics Invitational, Shaping the Future of Contemporary Ceramics in South Africa2022: “THERE IS NO ORDINARY,” FynArts Gallery, Hermanus2020: Labyrinth Exhibition, Gregg Price Gallery, Nieu Bethesda2019: G&W Mineral Resources, Ceramics Southern Africa Regional, GIBBS Business School, Sandton2018: MuseuMAfricA, G&W Base Minerals Regional Ceramic Exhibition, Johannesburg2017: MuseuMAfricA, G&W Base Minerals Regional Ceramic Exhibition, Johannesburg2016: FBC London, Ceramics Southern Africa, Corobrik National Exhibition, Cape Town2014: Taiwan Ceramics Biennale, Terra Nova2012: Everard Read Gallery, Southern Guild, Johannesburg2009: 4th PAN Bank Windhoek Arts Festival Ceramics Biennale, Namibia...and many more exhibitions from 2003 to 1992Memberships & Affiliations
Ceramics Southern Africa Committee Member (2014 - 2018)Ceramics Southern Africa Regional Chair for Golden Reef Region, Gauteng (2008)A.P.S.A Committee Member (1994 - 1996)Written Articles & Publications
Classic Feel Magazine, 2007: "Investing in Culture" (Vol. 3) - p. 20, 21Ceramics Southern Africa Magazine (Multiple issues between 2000-2017)National Ceramic Quarterly (Multiple issues between 1995-2014)African Earth Exhibition (APSA) Catalogue, 2002 - p. 16FNB Vita Craft Now Catalogue, 2000 - p. 14, 15Research & Field Survey
Recipient of TRC Research Grant: "The Design and Construction of Handbuilt Ceramic Products/Artefacts with Reference to Indigenous Rural Ceramics"Field Survey: Rural ceramic craft for MINTEK Special Projects (Limpopo & KwaZulu Natal, 2004)Teaching Experience
2014 - Present: The Pottery Studio, Bryanston, Johannesburg2010 - 2013: The Pottery Studio, Bryanston, Johannesburg2006 - 2008: University of Johannesburg, Part-time Lecturer in Ceramic Design1997 - 2005: Technikon Witwatersrand, Part-time Lecturer in Ceramic DesignWorkshops & Seminars
2017: Workshop Presenter in Zeerust for BBCDI2016: Traditional Pottery Workshop with Thembi Nala, Perserverence Maleketsi, and Nesiwe Nongebeza (Millstone Pottery, Western Cape)2012: Tshwane College – Workshop on Traditional Raku Tea Bowls and Horse Hair Firings2007: Traditional Hand-Built Vessels (University of Johannesburg, FADA Gallery)2006 - 2007: Sculpture – African Terracotta Head Workshops, Johannesburg