Latest brand: Fynbongs

Johan

a world for the work to live in

The artist, the practice, and the brands he builds. Each brand lives in a world of its own, and every one of them leads back here.

Johan on the beach in orange sunglasses and a striped T-shirt, twirling his moustache with both hands
Johan Els, artist & maker

Brands, projects
& events

by Johan

Each brand stands on its own, with its own name, colours and world, and projects and events join the list as they happen. Every one carries Johan’s maker’s mark and leads back to him.

  1. Fynbongs Brand · Ceramic smoking artWestern Cape, 2026 Out now
    Fynbongs No. 02, Rooibos Fynbongs No. 01, Vachellia Fynbongs No. 03, Cape reed

    Ceramic smoking art shaped like potted plants, painted with the fynbos of the Western Cape.

    Visit Fynbongs

Sculpture, intricate design and hands-on making. A practice driven by material, detail and craftsmanship. And since moving to the Western Cape, by the landscape itself. Every brand grows out of that ground.

Johan
Johan in a floral shirt, admiring an unglazed Fynbongs piece he holds up in his hands the maker

Made by hand, in the Western Cape.

Johan moved to the Western Cape to further his education and develop his career in art. His practice is rooted in sculpture, intricate design and hands-on making, always driven by an appreciation for material, detail and craftsmanship.

Collaboration sits at the centre. His brands are built alongside fellow artists and makers, bringing new perspectives into each one.

Based
Western Cape, ZA
Practice
Sculpture, design, making
Brands
Fynbongs, more coming
Open to
Collaborations