Established in 2015, Shabalala Designs is a proudly South African, high-end ceramic studio offering unique art masterpieces
ranging from homeware to sculptures and more. Under the expert guidance of Alex Shabalala, the artisans of Shabalala Designs create collectible, functional works of art inspired by South African wildlife.
Originating from Kwa-Zulu Natal, Alex Shabalala has always been interested in working with his hands. His artistry emerged as a young child when he would make his toys out of waste materials and river clay. From as early as Grade 7, Alex began teaching art at Sbonokuhle Primary School and his passion for passing on knowledge has only grown since then. Alex and friends opened an art studio at Mpophomeni, near Howick, called “Amacikwesizwa Visual Art” – meaning “the creatives of the world”. He also attended art workshops in print making at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and continued to master his print-making skills under the mentorship of Malcolm Christian (of The Caversham Press).
