Ewuraba - Professional African Women with Class and Style

Punch was born in 1969 in the Champagne Valley of the KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg and had the good fortune - when she was still a child - to be befriended by Bonnie Ntshalintshali, the legendary first artist at Ardmore. Punch's intense love of drawing and painting found expression during her school years. However, the year before matriculating she fell pregnant and left school. For a few years she stayed with her parents on the Ardmore farm where she was exposed to the creative work of many of her friends and family.

At the age of 20, Punch joined Fèe Halsted-Berning and Ardmore Ceramics Studio. Inspired by her colleagues, she soon developed her own special style: expertly blending flowers, insects, birds and animals into an exotic tapestry of colour. Her imaginative skill and her attention to detail have brought joy to collectors worldwide. Her diligence and talent ensure that her ceramics are always included in overseas exhibitions. This charming woman is one of four members elected by her peers to represent them on the Ardmore Excellence Fund.

In 1998 Punch accompanied Fèe and Bonnie Ntshalintshali to three German cities where exhibitions of Ardmore were organised by South African High Commissioner. Punch notes that: "As a single parent I am grateful that Ardmore has given me the opportunity to provide a home for my family and educate my four children".

Publications:

• 1991- Contemporary Ceramics in South Africa ,Struik, Cape Town
• 1998 - Ardmore an African Discovery, Fernwood Press, Cape Town

Recent Exhibitions

• 2000 - ABSA Bank, Johannesburg
• 2001
  • International Ceramic Arts Festival, Wales
  • Hospice Exhibition, Johannesburg
  • S.A Embassy Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur , Mayalsia
• 2002 - Charles Greig Jewelers.
• 2003 - Christies London Exhibition.January
• 2004
  • Christies London Auction.January
  • City Arts council.Edinburgh, Scotland
• 2005 - Private Exhibition by S.A. High Commisioner 'Highveld,' High St , Kensington, London

 source: Ardmore Cermaics Studio http://www.ardmoreceramics.co.za/