Jan Ernst explores childhood wonder and South African landscapes in his new designs

South African designer Jan Ernst unveils his latest product designs that are inspired by the combination of the rugged beauty of Africa's untamed landscapes meeting the refined artistry of ceramic art. Inspired by his formative years amidst the vast wilderness, the product designer unveils a captivating ceramic mural art and a lighting design. Drawing from the rich tapestry of his upbringing, each piece resonates with the spirit of exploration and boundless imagination that characterised Ernst's childhood adventures. 

KRAAL

With Kraal, Jan Ernst offers a unique perspective drawn from his upbringing on the African continent. Even though Kraal is inspired by a 'games room' unlike the conventional notion of a games room confined within city walls, Ernst's childhood playground stretched across the untamed landscapes where the earth itself became his canvas for creativity and exploration. For Ernst, toys weren't store-bought they were born from the earth itself. Along the riverbanks and in the treetops, Ernst fashioned his natural game room, constructing mud villages and sculpting figures from wild clay and other organic materials. Adventure awaited at every turn, whether herding cattle or shearing sheep in the traditional kraal enclosures. The Kraal, with its circular enclosure designed to safeguard livestock, became a focal point of play and merriment for Ernst and his friends. It was here, amidst the rhythms of farm life, that Ernst discovered the boundless potential of the natural world as a playground.

Drawing from these formative experiences, the ceramic mural embodies a sense of fluidity and childlike whimsy. Organic shapes and playful forms dance across the surface, evoking the carefree spirit of youth. Hidden nooks, crannies, and small projections invite viewers to embark on their journey of discovery, while the textured surface pays homage to the rich tapestry of nature. Crafted from white stoneware clay and glazed in a high gloss finish, the mural measures 1.6 x 1.7 meters. Light dances off the surface, accentuating the organic shapes and infusing the space with a sense of vitality and joy. Ernst invites viewers to rediscover the magic of childhood adventure, where imagination knows no bounds and every moment is infused with possibility.

Die Nagwag

Die Nagwag (The Nightwatch) is a progression of the Kraal mural, exploring the intersection between human experience and the embrace of nature. Inspired by the ceramic artist's poignant childhood memories in rural landscapes, this floor lamp embodies the mystique and allure of the nocturnal guardian - 'the night watch'. Central to Die Nagwag is the enigmatic figure of the night watch, whose solitary vigilance serves as a beacon of light amidst the darkness. The lamp design channels the essence of this mysterious guardian, casting a soft, diffused glow that evokes the gentle radiance of a distant lantern piercing through the night. 

Die Nagwag invites viewers to contemplate the unseen landscapes traversed by the night watch. What hidden wonders and secrets lie beyond the glow of the lamp? What thoughts and emotions stir within the solitary figure as they tread the nocturnal paths of the veld and kraal? Through this sculptural lighting design, Ernst invites us to embark on a journey of introspection and imagination, where the boundaries between reality and reverie blur, and the whispers of the night beckon us to explore the depths of our consciousness. It is a tribute to the enduring enigma of the night watch and the timeless allure of the nocturnal realm.