There's a moment in the Biblical tale of Jonah when everything changes. Not when the storm rages, not when the sailors cast him into the churning sea, but in the darkness of the whale’s belly. It’s there, in that sacred darkness, that Jonah finds his truth.
Master ceramic artist Wiseman Ndlovu knows this moment well. "Inside, Jonah realized there’s still a second chance." His hands touch the clay as he spoke with Ed Pascoe about this sculpture. His eyes teared up. For the religious man that he is, this piece holds a story of divine timing.
Wiseman is a Christian pastor with his own congregation in rural South Africa. For inspiration for his artwork, he sometimes drawers on stories from the Bible. In this particular case, he thought the story of Jonah and the Whale would make for a wonderful ceramic masterpiece and a meaningful parable.
For years, Wiseman and his fellow artists struggled in racially divided South Africa. "We were struggling, doing the right thing on ceramic, but in the wrong direction," he shares. But like Jonah finding his Nineveh, they've now found their true calling as independent artists managing their own studio. "This is our second chance," he says, "something you need to grab by these two hands." Pascoe Gallery made the decision to enthusiastically support Wiseman and his fellow artists. Wiseman has chosen us to be his exclusive representative in the United States.
This masterpiece is more than art—it’s a turning point. Just as Jonah emerged from the depths with renewed purpose, Wiseman has transformed his journey into clay, shaping his second chance into something real, something lasting. Each curve, each texture tells the story of an artist embracing not just redemption, but his greatest calling.
Now, we are honored to present this extraordinary piece, with all the depth and meaning behind it. A true collector’s piece, and one of a kind, it is now available for acquisition through our website.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a work of art shaped by resilience, faith, and the power of overcoming adversity.
Wiseman Ndlovu is a self-taught artist, whose passion for art began at an early age. Born and raised in the quaint village of Lidgetton, in the Midland Region of South Africa, Wiseman's love for realism is evident in his paintings. His experience working at Ardmore Ceramics, where he used ceramics as his canvas, helped him to develop his unique approach to painting. In 2022, Wiseman established his own studio, where he continues to create exquisite pieces that reflect his sensitivity to the subtle seasonal changes of his environment. Throughout the year, Wiseman's color palette evolves with the vibrancy of spring and summer, while during the fall and winter months, he uses cooler and more subdued tones, capturing the essence of the African continent. Wiseman is a preacher and founder of the Gospel Fire Church movement, and his community-minded approach is evident in his art. His paintings are a reflection of his deep passion for his culture and the people around him. As an artist and preacher, Wiseman brings the same level of passion and dedication to both his artwork and his message, creating a profound and inspiring impact on those who experience his work.
