Meet Sonwabiso Ngcai, or Sobs… one of the success stories of last year’s Blooms and Brushstrokes festival. This talented ceramicist draws inspiration from his rich South African heritage, hailing from the peaceful village of Buntingville in the Eastern Cape. Sobs’s artistic journey began at Walter Sisulu University, where he graduated cum laude and later earned his Fine Art Masters from Vaal University of Technology.

 

Now, as a passionate lecturer in Fine Art in East London, he mentors the next generation of artists. His impressive achievements include being the runner-up in the 2017 PPC Imaginarium and the Overall Winner in 2019, alongside receiving The Best 3-Dimensional Artist award at the Eastern Cape Cultural Awards. In 2021, he secured a Merit Award in the Ceramic South Africa Eastern Cape Regionals!

 

Sobs held his first solo exhibition, Nkomoni na at GFI Art Gallery in April 2022, showcasing his innovative approach to ceramics. As a judge for prestigious art awards, he remains a vital part of the art community. Sobs believes in preserving and sharing stories and traditions through his work, creating captivating sculptures that blend culture and innovation.