Sue Jowell, Akhona Mposelwa and Posent Ncube | Clovelly – Cape Town | Mirrors | Mixed-Media Artists

Sue Jowell, Akhona Mposelwa and Posent Ncube | Clovelly – Cape Town | Mixed-Media Artists

Working from a small, rustic studio in Clovelly, Sue Jowell, Akhona Mposelwa and Posent Ncube create the distinctive metal-clad mirror frames and decorative wall panels for which they have long been known on the Cape Town craft scene.

Inspired by the metalwork found on Tuareg furniture and masks, the artists create intricate collages using a variety of beautiful metals. These are carefully riveted into place and embellished with patterns of metal studs.

Blues, greens and reds are developed using different patinas and fire. The process is thrilling and unpredictable, ensuring that no two pieces ever turn out exactly the same.

Their work is a joyful and often humorous celebration of flora and fauna, featuring wildlife, dogs and cats, dancers, swimmers and underwater scenes. Spanners and other unexpected objects also appear, perhaps inspired by Sue’s self-described tendency towards domestic chaos.

A Michaelis graduate, Sue began her career in advertising and illustration and has since participated in numerous exhibitions of her painting and sculpture.

She particularly enjoys creating personalised commissions for clients who would like to see their ideas translated into this distinctive metal-cladding technique. Projects have ranged from bespoke headboards and furniture to expansive foyer and stairwell installations. Clients have included luxury game lodges, devoted pet owners and the late Harry Belafonte.

Alongside her metalwork, Sue continues to explore digital art, collage and oil painting.

Medium: Metalwork, mixed media, painting and sculpture
Instagram:@suejowellmirrorsdesign
Studio Address: 33 Montrose Avenue, Clovelly Clovelly, Cape Town