tina marie malherbe
capturing the soul
of the
earth
in every
plate
tina marie malherbe
Tina-Marié Malherbe is a South African artist renowned for her botanical-inspired ceramic plates. Her work involves handcrafting white clay plates, each uniquely shaped, and adorning them with intricate blue illustrations of local flora. She meticulously presses and mounts plants before painting their delicate forms onto the ceramics, often incorporating Afrikaans names and verses to honor her heritage.
THE PROCESS
Tina-Marié Malherbe’s creative process is deeply rooted in her connection to nature, beginning with the careful selection of local flora. She handpicks plants, leaves, and flowers that resonate with her artistic vision, pressing them to preserve their delicate forms. This meticulous preparation allows her to study each specimen’s intricate details before translating them onto her handcrafted ceramic plates. Using white clay, she shapes and fires each plate individually, ensuring no two pieces are alike. The organic, slightly imperfect forms echo the raw beauty of nature, creating a harmonious foundation for her botanical illustrations.
Once the plates are ready, Tina-Marié brings them to life with her signature blue botanical paintings, a technique that requires both precision and intuition. She delicately traces the pressed plants onto the ceramic surface, layering fine brushstrokes to capture their textures and silhouettes. Often incorporating Afrikaans names and poetic verses, she imbues each piece with a sense of place, history, and storytelling. The final step involves a glazing and firing process that seals the illustrations into the ceramic, preserving their beauty for generations. Through this meticulous, hands-on approach, she transforms nature’s fleeting moments into timeless, functional art.
DISCOVER
Discover Tina Marie Malherbe’s handcrafted creations at our online shop, where each piece reflects exceptional skill and artistry. Explore our unique collection today and support the timeless tradition of craftsmanship.
