KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna has lost a true artistic master, Nico Liebenberg (68), who passed away on 19 December 2023 due to cancer.

Those closest to him say that Nico fought valiantly, supported by his partner Ronel and a caring community.

Liebenberg's artistic journey started in 1987 under the learnership of master potter Brian Haden. This was the start of a lifelong dedication to his craft. 

In 1990, he established Nico Liebenberg Pottery.

His legacy encompasses a wide range of decorative ceramics, from delicate tea bowls to impressive 200-litre wine jars, all adorned in his distinct style. Nico's high-temperature glazes showcased traditional Oriental techniques, capturing the essence of time-honoured craftsmanship.

One of his notable contributions was his advocacy for Raku, a firing process that brought joy and uniqueness to his creations.

In August 2023 the Knysna Arts Society paid a visit to Liebenberg's studio in Rheenendal where the artist opened up his pottery studio to them, shared some of his artistic techniques and gave a live demonstration of how his works were made.

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