hose who have visited Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant on the estate might have admired the ceramic chandeliers hanging gracefully from the ceiling. Some might have enjoyed La Motte’s Winelands Tea, presented in the intricately decorated tea service, while others might have noticed the themed bowls and other containers displayed in the La Motte Farm Shop. All these charming items were created by famed etcher and ceramics artist Ella-Lou O’Meara.

Seldom will one come across pieces of art like these that do not convey a specific story or narrative. The origin or influence of such a story would normally be captured mainly within the boundaries of the artist’s field of interest from where it is expanded through creativity, talent and social, political or personal commentary or expression.

O’Meara’s love of etching and ceramic art was already evident during her childhood days in the Western Cape town of Paarl. Items that amazed her most were her mother’s tea services as well as her grandmother’s porcelain set with the famous Willow pattern. Tutored by Katrina Harries, O’Meara studied Graphic Art, with Printing as her major subject, at the Michaelis School of Art, University of Cape Town.