In March 2025, I took a much-needed break from Creatives Garage to rest and recharge. During that time, I enrolled in a pottery class and by the time I walked out, I was convinced I could sculpt anything. With help from my amazing team at the office, we sourced some clay, and just like that, my sculpting journey began.
I had never sculpted before, but the moment my hands touched the clay, everything clicked. In that one month alone, I created five portrait sculptures and two abstract faces and I’m just getting started. I'm truly enjoying this new-found skill, and yes, I’ll be putting these pieces up for sale soon.
Watu is a captivating body of work that explores the beauty and fragility of human existence through the raw, grounding medium of clay. Each sculpture in this collection is hand moulded, unique, and deeply expressive, reflecting the diverse energies, emotions, and personalities that make us who we are. The use of clay speaks to the delicate impermanence of life, yet also its malleability; how we are constantly shaped by experience, culture, and connection. From the fierce to the gentle, the quiet to the defiant, Watu invites viewers to witness and reflect on the shared humanity that binds us, while celebrating the individuality that sets us apart.
Now, let me introduce you to my clay friends:
Boss-Bori
Boss-Bori is, in every true essence, a boss. She’s got this unapologetic energy badass locs wrapped in a headscarf that gives off serious Erykah Badu vibes. There’s a joint hanging from her lips, and her facial expression is wild, somewhere between side-eye and smirk, but somehow, she still feels warm and inviting.
Maybe it’s the dimples that show when she smiles. Or maybe it’s just that Boss-Bori doesn’t care what you think and that’s exactly why you can’t look away.
Wacuka
Wacuka carries a calming, grounded vibe, the kind that instantly puts you at ease. But don’t let that fool you, she’s no pushover. She’s just mastered the art of minding her business and living soft, with a stash of supplements and self-awareness to keep her glowing.
I really enjoyed crafting her locs, and I have to say, I’m pretty proud of how her lips turned out, especially for just my second try. Wacuka doesn’t cause drama, doesn’t chase noise she’s just out here vibing, thriving, and keeping her peace.
Akinyi
Akinyi (Named by Jay) was my very first attempt at sculpting and oh boy, did I struggle with the eyes and the lips. I didn’t have a proper stand, so I improvised and used the kitchen paper towel stand (the true MVP of that day).
Despite the challenges, she turned out pretty fine for a first go, and I’ve grown incredibly fond of her. There’s something special about your first piece; flawed, raw, and full of heart. Akinyi will always hold that place in my journey as the sculpture that started it all.
Morio
Morio is the first guy in the crew and definitely not the last. His hair? Think Mr. T, but with an extra dose of cool. He doesn’t have grills yet, but trust, he’s saving up because style is a journey, not a destination.
His nose? Elite level. It can smell rain two months away, no cap. And as for the ladies, he swears they go wild for him (though the jury’s still out on that). One thing’s for sure though: Morio’s got rizz and he walks like he knows it.
Nyanduse
Nyanduse (named by my good friend Gakii) is the fifth to join the fold, and she’s unapologetically herself. No hair, no problem. In fact, that’s exactly what makes her cool, raw, and unbothered by anyone’s opinions.
Her eyes? Took me four tries to get them right (kinda), but in the end, they captured her spirit. And then there’s the tongue, slightly out, not in a playful or cheeky way, but more like a warning:
“If I can bite my own tongue, imagine what I’d do if you crossed me.”
“If I can bite my own tongue, imagine what I’d do if you crossed me.”
Nyanduse doesn’t speak much, but her energy does all the talking.
