How the studio works together
Stone lithography depends on close coordination. One person prepares the stone, another checks the paper, another watches colour, and every step has to line up before an edition can be signed and numbered. In a fine-art studio, the smallest detail matters, from how the stone takes grease to how the sheet is handled after printing.
Our team is built around that pace. We keep the process practical, measured and hands-on, whether we are making a short edition for a local artist or coordinating collector orders for delivery across South Africa.
- Edition planning from first proof to final sheet
- Colour separation and proofing sessions with artists
- Paper guidance for texture, weight and finish
- Archival packing and framing coordination for collectors
Shailen Naicker, Managing Director
Shailen Naicker leads the studio from Woodstock and keeps the work grounded in the discipline of edition making. He oversees client communication, studio planning and the practical decisions that shape each print run, from scheduling proof sessions to final sign-off. His role is to make sure the studio stays organised without losing sight of the artist’s intent.
He also works closely with collectors and artists who want clear guidance on what a stone lithograph is, how an edition is built, and how best to care for finished prints in South African conditions, especially where humidity and strong light can affect storage.
Nomvula Phalatse and the printmaking process
Nomvula Phalatse is the Master Printer, and her work sits at the centre of the studio. She reads each stone carefully, prepares surfaces for drawing and printing, and guides the press work needed to bring out tone, texture and clean colour. In stone lithography, that skill is earned through repetition and patience, because every stone behaves a little differently.
She works through proofing with artists until the image settles properly. That may mean adjusting colour layers, refining registration or deciding when a proof is ready for editioning. Her eye is exact, but the aim is always the same: to keep the print true to the drawing and strong on the paper.
- Stone preparation and surface control
- Proof corrections and colour checks
- Edition printing with consistent hand pressure and registration
- Quality control on each sheet before numbering
Stefan Hattingh and the workshop details
He manages the practical side of presses, tools, materials and studio setup, which is especially important when timing, dust control and careful handling all matter. A clean stone and a steady press make a real difference to the finished result.
He also supports the studio during longer edition runs, helping with paper prep, drying space and the movement of sheets through the studio. That hands-on support matters when we are balancing multiple projects at once and need everything to stay orderly.
Rukshana Kamaar and collector care
Rukshana Kamaar is our Collections Coordinator, and she looks after the details that matter once a print leaves the press. She keeps edition records in order, helps coordinate signing and numbering, and supports packing decisions so each work is stored and moved properly. For collectors, that kind of care is important because a lithograph is not just an image, it is a physical print with a specific place in an edition.
She also helps clients understand how to keep prints in good condition, whether they are framing at home, storing works temporarily or handling a purchase for transport between Cape Town, Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal.
- Edition records and artist signatures
- Archival packing for local and national collection
- Collector advice on storage and framing
- Care guidance for paper, light and humidity
Bonga Mngadi and Tegan Jacobs with client support
Bonga Mngadi is our Editioning Assistant, supporting the final stages of print runs with numbering, sorting and careful handling. He helps keep each edition complete and consistent, which is especially important when a project has several colour states or multiple layers. That sort of work needs concentration and a steady hand.
Tegan Jacobs leads Client Services and is often the first person people speak to when they reach out through the enquiry form. She helps organise studio visits, answer practical questions and keep communication clear for artists and collectors alike. Together, they make sure the human side of the studio stays just as careful as the printing side.
- Edition sorting, numbering and sheet checks
- Studio visit coordination in Woodstock
- Client updates for artists and collectors
- Practical guidance from first enquiry to completed order