Welcome to Mmupi and Clay, a pottery studio and creative learning space based in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg. “Mmupi,” a Pedi word meaning “potter,” reflects our deep connection to the craft and tradition of working with clay.
At Mmupi and Clay, we bring clay to life by creating unique, handcrafted pottery designed for both your home and garden. We specialise in custom-made ceramic pieces tailored to meet each client’s individual needs.
In addition to our creations, we offer pottery training for both individuals and groups through personalised, hands-on sessions—providing a space to learn, create, and connect with the art of ceramics
Mmupi and Clay was founded by Angie (Ramadimetja) Lebese, whose journey with clay began in her childhood. Originally from the Ndebele culture in Zebediela District, Magatle village in Limpopo, Angie’s passion for pottery was first nurtured by her late blind grandmother, who taught her the art from an early age.
Reflecting on her journey, Angie shares:
“I developed my love of clay when I started doing pottery from an early age, taught by my late blind grandmother. In 1987 and 1988, I worked at Zebediela Brickworks during school holidays, where I saw what amazing things can be done with clay.”
After completing school, Angie spent seven years working in the banking sector. Despite this, her passion for pottery never faded, and she continued to dream of one day owning her own studio. Today, Mmupi and Clay stands as the realization of that dream—a space where her lifelong love for clay is shared through handcrafted pieces and meaningful learning experiences.
From 2006 to 2009 I was invited to exhibit in Namibia and all my works were sold out each year . My work is placed in the South African embassy in Namibia. Mmupi and Clay was given an opportunity to decorate the conference hall with our art work during the inauguration.
Some of the many benefits of taking up pottery:
- Exploration and experimentation – Pottery expresses your creativity and is a great way for all ages to explore the things they can do. It provides a creative outlet through which you can express yourself in some way.
- Pottery is a safe pain killer – Pottery reduces stress and pain caused by stress may be alleviated while working in pottery.
- Bolstering self-esteem – Pottery helps you with self-expression, improving confidence and self-esteem.
- Improve attention and focus – Pottery enables you to escape the day-to-day and focus on your creation.
- Reduce stress – You need to fully focus while you’re making pottery, so outside distractions are reduced.
- Exercises the hands, wrists, back and arms – Improves strength and promotes joint movement and dexterity.
At Mmupi and Clay African Pottery Studio, the guiding invitation is simple: “Come make something wonderful”. However, the benefits of this craft go far beyond the beautiful ceramic pieces you take home; the very act of working with clay provides a powerful pathway to release your stress.
Engaging “Hands-On Intelligence” When you engage in hands-on pottery training, you are doing much more than just following rote, A-B-C instructions. Instead, your brain is forced to shift gears. You develop a specific kind of “hands-on intelligence”. By focusing your mind entirely on the physical task in front of you, you naturally pull your thoughts away from the fast-paced daily life. The cognitive effort required to coordinate your hands, envision an aesthetic form, and manipulate the earth grounds you entirely in the present moment.
The Power of Tactile Feedback and Patience As you shape the clay to achieve your desired aesthetic, your brain is highly engaged with sensory feedback. You are not just looking at your work; you are actively “feeling it”. The brain processes the unique properties of the clay, learning exactly how it responds to the pressure and warmth of your hands. This tactile feedback loop demands a deep level of patience. You cannot rush the molding process or the eventual transformation that happens during firing. This enforced patience acts as a natural stress reliever, slowing down your racing thoughts and teaching your brain to embrace a calmer, more deliberate pace.
A Safe Space to Nurture Creative Potential Stress relief is significantly enhanced by the environment in which you create. Pottery is taught in a “safe, engaging, and creative learning space”. This supportive atmosphere allows you to let your guard down and freely explore your creative potential. When your brain is unburdened by the fear of making mistakes, creativity flourishes. This development of creativity goes “way beyond just making a pot” and is inherently beneficial for anyone’s overall well-being.
The Joy of the Final Aesthetic There is a profound mental reward in transforming raw, shapeless earth into a finished, aesthetic piece. Whether you are crafting a traditional Ukhamba, a Swati coffee mug, or adapting ancient techniques to create a custom design that fits a modern aesthetic, your brain experiences a tangible sense of accomplishment. You are applying your newly learned physical skills to create something with real purpose. This journey from a lump of clay to a vibrant, functional work of art replaces the heavy burden of stress with the lasting satisfaction of tactile creation.