BIOGRAPHY

Often described as the Van Wouw of the 21st Century, Charles Gotthard is one of South Africa’s most accomplished and innovative ceramic sculptors. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of architectural ceramics and monumental sculpture, he has established himself as a master of transforming clay, bronze, and volcanic cement into enduring works of art.

His contribution to South African art has been recognised in two authoritative publications: Looking at South African Art by Frieda Harmsen and Potters of Southern Africa by Garth Clark.

Charles’s sculptures can be found in museums, galleries, churches, lifestyle estates, and private collections throughout South Africa. Notable installations include Mosaïek Church, the Pretoria Art Museum, Potchefstroom Gallery, Tas Gallery, Lourensford Wine Estate, and the award-winning Steyn City Parkland Residence, where more than thirty of his large-scale sculptures form an integral part of the landscape.

Originally qualifying in Architectural Ceramics, Charles developed a passion for creating monumental, site-specific artworks that exist in harmony with their architectural and natural surroundings. His portfolio spans life-sized human figures, wildlife, horses, fountains, sculptural wall panels, and abstract contemporary forms. Collaborating closely with architects, landscape architects, and developers, he creates works that become inseparable from the spaces they inhabit.

Since his first independent exhibition in 1976, Charles has continually expanded both his artistic vision and his choice of materials. Never confined to a single medium, he seamlessly combines ceramic clay, bronze, volcanic cement, and mixed media, selecting each material to best express the concept and character of every commission.

In 2010, Charles introduced his African Miniature Coffee Table Series, allowing collectors to experience his distinctive sculptural language on a more intimate scale. The first collection, The Poacher Series, comprises ten exquisitely detailed sculptures ranging from 20 to 45 centimetres in height. Cast in both bronze and ceramic, each piece incorporates authentic animal bones and shells collected over many years from the surrounding African landscape.

The Poacher Series serves as a powerful social commentary on greed, environmental destruction, and the devastating impact of wildlife poaching. Through these symbolic sculptures, Charles gives visual form to humanity’s self-destructive pursuit of power and profit, creating works that challenge viewers, provoke meaningful conversation, and inspire a deeper sense of environmental responsibility.

Among Charles’s most celebrated achievements is his monumental body of land art at Steyn City in Johannesburg. Completed over a five-year period, this extraordinary collection of more than thirty sculptures has attracted widespread media attention and has become one of South Africa’s most significant examples of integrated public sculpture. The works form a defining feature of the estate’s internationally acclaimed parkland environment, enriching the experience of residents and visitors alike.

Charles’s creativity extends beyond sculpture into architectural design and immersive artistic environments. In 1998, he created The Goblin’s Cove – NOW CLOSED, a whimsical family restaurant designed as a celebration of imagination, art, and storytelling. Described by Charles as his “labour of love,” the venue became a beloved destination where visitors could immerse themselves in a playful world that reflected the earthy character and expressive nature of his work.

Another deeply personal project is La Provence d’Afrique (“A Little Bit of Provence in Africa”) – NOW CLOSED , a Provençal-style guest lodge completed in 2003 and built within his 400-square-metre art studio. Inspired by his appreciation for French architecture and old-world craftsmanship, the lodge was lovingly created for his wife and remains a sought-after retreat for visitors seeking beauty, tranquillity, and artistic inspiration.

Alongside his sculptural practice, Charles is passionate about nurturing creativity in others. Through his experiential workshop, A Journey into Self-Discovery, he combines clay and music to encourage participants—particularly corporate groups—to reconnect with their imagination, embrace playfulness, and unlock creative thinking in a unique and engaging way.

Charles also undertakes bespoke commissions for private collectors and public spaces. His diverse portfolio includes life-sized Friesian horses, medieval armour sculptures, monumental figurative works, intricate architectural installations, and a spectacular 55-square-metre domed ceiling featuring horse-drawn chariots and angels. He has also designed sculptural furniture, including a twelve-seater glass table supported by five seated figures, demonstrating his ability to merge fine art with functional design.

Whether creating intimate collectible sculptures or monumental public installations, Charles Gotthard’s work is united by a profound appreciation for craftsmanship, storytelling, and the African landscape. For nearly five decades, his sculptures have invited viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the enduring relationship between humanity, nature, and art.