On a wine farm or in a restaurant, texture is an element that often plays second fiddle to taste. The same happens in art spaces where we are usually discouraged from touching, and where tactile features are often overshadowed by colour and pattern. But texture is intrinsic to the way we experience life.
It is exactly this richness of texture and a return to the tangible that are celebrated in the latest art exhibition in the La Motte Ateljee. In a world increasingly shaped by the digital and abstract, "When Surfaces Speak" is an invitation to come closer and to perceive with more than the eye.
Running from 12 July to 5 October 2025, this exhibition is a collaboration of artists who honour the materials with which they are surrounded. More than a celebration of texture as a surface quality, the exhibition embraces texture for elements of knowledge, understanding and remembering. It is inquisitive and explores an organic connection to the everyday, the dream state and the deeply felt, offering both fragility and resilience.
Artists express these qualities in felt, fibre, clay, paper, plant, paint and with slow processes of weaving, layering, imprinting, and stitching. In this artistic process, materials are not passive carriers of form, but active agents, speaking of time, place, decay, and transformation, revealing a quiet persistence in the process of making such as through the rhythm of a needle or the looping repetition of crocheting and weaving.
The works on exhibition at La Motte resonate with the rhythms and richness of the farm – the soils, thatch and vegetation, the crust of the bread or the char from the kitchen grill and, ultimately, the complexity of layering and blending that result in wine's so-called mouthfeel.
"When Surfaces Speak" explores a space where art is not merely viewed but felt. It is a reminder that perception is always relational, that surfaces carry stories, and that the world is most richly known through the intimacy of touch.
"When Surfaces Speak" invites us to pause, to rediscover the quiet intimacy of making and perceiving and to feel – literally and figuratively.
Programme of workshops
Do not miss an exciting line-up of texture-inspired workshops.
Scarf Weaving with Rita Trafford (Two-Day Workshop)
16-17 August 2025
If you enjoy working with colour, texture, and natural materials and find joy in slow, mindful making, this two-day weaving experience is for you.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of balanced weaving on an Ashford rigid heddle loom and complete a soft, luxurious wool scarf that can also double as a snood. Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about fabric-making, this is a chance to fall into the rhythm of weaving and explore a deeply rewarding craft.
We keep the group small for plenty of individual attention, and the experience includes time to pause, share, and enjoy seasonal food that reflects the textures and tones of the work.
In addition to a coffee and pastry break, guests will receive a bespoke seasonal lunch at the L'Ami Family Brasserie with a menu inspired by this workshop.
String Theory with Danielle Clough (2-day workshop)
6-7 September 2025
Embroidery and stitching has transformed into a new art form where artists paint with thread. Danielle Clough is known for using thread to create beautiful textural artworks bursting with colour, and now guests can learn from the expert herself through a two-day immersive workshop at La Motte.
This two-day workshop is perfect for those who already have a general understanding of basic embroidery to play and experiment, as this is an intermediate level workshop. Guests will learn about colour theory and abstract expression, explore colour-blending, different materials and techniques, and then stitch their own unique artwork.
Both days of the workshop will include a welcoming coffee and croissant and a seasonal lunch at our bakery. All materials needed will be provided, and afterwards guests will receive an embroidery kit to take home.
Please note that this workshop is sold out. Please contact us to be put on a waiting list.
Textures of Spring with Hayley Lombard (Half day)
19 September 2025
Immerse yourself in an expressive, half-day painting workshop led by Hayley Lombard, inspired by the raw beauty of South Africa and the contemplative stillness of Canada’s wild landscapes. Through intuitive mark-making and layered expression, you’ll explore colour, form, and movement in a personal way.
You’ll be gently supported throughout the day as you tap into your creative rhythm - whether you’re new to painting or reconnecting with your creativity. Held in the serene, light-filled Ateljee studio, this hands-on workshop includes:
- A coffee & pastry morning break with flavours that echo the tones and textures explored on canva
- A curated art kit featuring: Hand stretched deep edge canvas / Artist grade paints & texture mediums / Hayley’s signature mark making tools.
- A beautifully curated goodie bag and you will leave with a beautiful finished artwork, a renewed connection to your creativity, and the inspiration of La Motte’s seasonal landscape.
Textures of Spring with Hayley Lombard (Full day)
20 September 2025
Immerse yourself in an expressive, half-day painting workshop led by Hayley Lombard, inspired by the raw beauty of South Africa and the contemplative stillness of Canada’s wild landscapes. Through intuitive mark-making and layered expression, you’ll explore colour, form, and movement in a personal way.
You’ll be gently supported throughout the day as you tap into your creative rhythm – whether you’re new to painting or reconnecting with your creativity. Held in the serene, light-filled Ateljee studio, this hands-on workshop includes:
- A coffee and pastry morning break, and a bespoke lunch perfectly paired with La Motte wine – flavours that echo the tones and textures explored on canvas.
- A curated art kit featuring: Hand stretched deep edge canvas / Artist grade paints & texture mediums / Hayley’s signature mark making tools.
A thoughtfully assembled goodie bag with: Embroidered apron / Mini texture kit / Signed postcard print / Botanical sprig / Guide to textural colour play.
You’ll leave with a beautiful finished artwork, a renewed connection to your creativity, and the inspiration of La Motte’s seasonal landscape.
Candle Craftsmanship with Okra Candle (Full day)
4 October 2025
Candle making has become an art in itself with endless creative opportunities. Okra Candle now offers guests an in-depth experience to learn the craft of mould making and wax pouring. Whether a beginner in candle making or already skilled in the craft, this workshop will allow guests to make beautiful new candles to decorate their homes.
During the workshop, you will receive expert guidance in how moulds are made, how to colour and scent candle wax, and then you will have the chance to make your own candles.
This hands-on creative session includes a coffee and croissant welcome, a gift bag with beautiful Okra products and plenty of time to learn everything one needs to know about candle making. All materials and tools will be provided, just bring your creativity and curiosity.
Candles as Sculptures with Okra Candle (Full day)
5 October 2025
Candle making has become an art in itself with endless creative opportunities. Okra Candle now offers guests an in-depth experience to learn the craft of sculptural candle making. Whether a beginner in candle making or already skilled in the craft, this workshop will allow guests to make beautiful new candles to decorate their homes.
During the workshop, you will receive expert guidance in how to colour and scent candle wax, how to use different pouring and sculpting techniques, and then you will have the chance to make your own sculptural candle artworks.
This hands-on creative session includes a coffee and croissant welcome, a gift bag with beautiful Okra products and plenty of time to learn everything one needs to know about sculptural candle making. All materials and tools will be provided, just bring your creativity and curiosity.
Paint your own canvas
This interactive art experience is available to visitors to the estate from Wednesdays to Sundays. Brush up on your creativity and create a painting at your leisure over a glass of wine in the Ateljee workspace.
For more details and reservations, click HERE.