Posted by Swellengram
The year was 1972, and a young David Schlapobersky was working at Cresset House, a school for handicapped children in Johannesburg. Alongside his wife, he served as a house parent. When the idea of starting pottery classes for the learners emerged, the task fell on him. Little did he know pottery would give purpose to his life forever.
That fateful day, David wandered into the studio of a master potter and instantly recognized something of himself in the art. As of that moment, he fell in love with pottery – and has been falling deeper in love every day since. Speaking with him today feels akin to conversing with a sage like Merlin or Gandalf; his wisdom is with hard-won insights, a compass for anyone navigating their personal journey.
Nothing was going to take him off his new path. At just 19 years old, David opened his own studio. Now, nearly six decades later, he is still studying his craft. I called him a master potter and he instantly humbly describesd himself not as one, but as a lifelong student – words befitting a true master. His pottery style reflects the love for Japanese culture, something him and I are both fond of. David embraces the mingei tradition, which involves firing pots at extreme heat, there is a select people around the world who are loyal to this technique and have mastered the challenges that come with it. I find that technique to a poignant metaphor for David’s life: shaped and strengthened through trials by fire. He has been cooked in extreme heat himself.
Life’s adversities have not spared him. As I write this, his wife Felicity is bedridden after a debilitating stroke. It is a big hit for him but he remains hopeful. He also cares for their handicapped son, James. Yet, he shares these realities as simple facts, neither soliciting sympathy nor admiration on how stoically he is facing tragedy. He still goes on with his daily duties of making pots and ordering his house despite the tragedy. His fairylike garden is still well kept and he still has time to sit down unrushed and do an interview with me. He is not only a master potter but he is a master of living in the present moment. His latest collection, brimming with colour and life, is a testament to his resilience and creative spirit.
Besides good financial rewards, his currency is the emotional reactions of people who encounter his work. David finds no distinction between what one does for a living and the rest of a person’s life. His work is his life. He believes every pot he makes belongs to someone and in due time, the pot and that owner will find each other. I pose to him the question, “if you have all this beauty, do you need luxury?” I say this referring to his heritage house. He answers me in a way only a wise man can, “beauty is luxury”. He further says his house is beyond luxury, it is a palace. It is a rare find, and for him that is luxury. I get the sense that he is not driven by money, but he is also not averse to making it either.
“It’s not a secure lifestyle.” He cautions before anyone wants to pursue pottery solely for financial benefits. The economy at home is stagnant and he must sell overseas. Yet, his work is his life, inseparable from who he is.
In 1996, David and Felicity moved to Swellendam, drawn by the countryside’s tranquillity, reminiscent of Japanese master potters. At the time, South Africa’s housing market was in a state of panic. People were moving overseas fearing unrest. It was a perfect timing to buy because they managed to acquire their heritage home and land at a bit of a bargain. However, they encountered a deeply polarised town, divided along racial lines. There was no common ground at all but just “the boers and their slaves”. Drawing from their work in empowering African youth through Art in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, they continued their efforts in Swellendam and worked with Railton’s youth. They even co-founded the Swellendam Alive Festival, which just got revived recently in 2024, 22 years later. Coincidentally, James is wearing the old maroon Swellendam Alive t-shirt from way back in the years. Their efforts faced backlash from white and coloured communities. He says the snakes he encountered during that time nearly damaged his optimism, but they persevered until the negativity forced David to refocus on pottery knowing that with his pots, he can make a difference and become a valuable person to the community with his work. He remembered that him and Felicity had moved to Swellendam “to flourish” and flourish they did.
Today, he observes the political and social landscape in Swellendam as unchanged: “SOS – same old stuff”. Self-interest reigns, and social struggles leave little room for community engagement. His hope is simple yet profound: for people to “grow up,” reach out to one another, and discover the transformative power of empathy and care.
Where to from here? David takes life day by day. Felicity’s stroke has taught him how swiftly things can change. His days revolve around crafting pots, caring for his wife and son, and embracing the present.
On December 21st, David will host his annual Open Studio and Potter’s Lunch – a summer solstice lunch which is a cherished event, but the first without Felicity’s involvement. Tickets are priced between R200 and R300 per person. Do yourself a favour and book a ticket. The Potter will be cooking.
Any other day if you find yourself with a moment to spare, please do visit Bukkenburg Pottery Studio in Swellendam. They have a wonderful guest cottage too which you can book directly with him or on AirBnB. Share a cup of tea and soak in the wisdom of a man whose life and work remind us that beauty, resilience, and purpose – are often found in life’s simplest acts. It is fascinating how David can always spare a moment for a stranger.
Invitation to the Open Studio and Potters Lunch
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