For this exhibition I worked with red and orange glazes - I love the warm colours and like the challenge in working with these difficult glazes. I enjoy the slow process of handbuilding my pieces by coiling and pinching methods. When I am asked about the functionality of my coiled vessels and bowls, my reply is, "if something is an object of beauty, that to me is its function".

Born

Born in Cape Town, 1954. Resident in Stellenbosch.

Highlights of Experience and Exhibitions

2010    Merit Award, CSA National Exhibition
2009    Solo titled DEEP FIELD at Light From Africa, Constantia
2008    Ceramics SA (CSA) Regional exhibition, Durbanville
2007    Merit Award, CSA Regional, Western Cape
2007    Solo Rust & Vrede, Durbanville
2004    Work in Stellenbosch SASOL Art Museum
2000    Duo with Hannes Harrs, Dorp Street Gallery
1996    CSA Regional - Ceramicist of the Year (voted by public)
1992    Highly Commended Award, CSA Regional
1990    Duo with Nina van der Westhuizen, Dorp Street Gallery

I taught ceramics for 15 years

Outlook and Interests

The common theme in my work is my interest in shapes, textures, geological formations and colours found in nature - on earth and in space. Images of celestial bodies for instance, inspire me. My concern about the climate change influences the work I am doing now.

The slow process of coiling and pinching clay and multiple firings with different glazes are ideal for expressing these interests.

I photograph surfaces of my finished work as well as the processes of firing. I enjoy the relation between the inspiration and the end products.

Ann Marais, in her review of the 2010 Ceramics SA National Exhibition (in National Ceramics, Number 94: Summer 2010) states the following about Laura du Toit:

"Laura du Toit's prize-winning works reflected Environmental Concerns for this planet that is taking alarming strain with every-increasing pollution.

... The works of Laura du Toit - a large, orange, globe-like vessel and a very large, shallow platter entitled 'Green Peace Bowl" - were powerful interpretations of the elemental forces that shape our natural world.

The large platter evoked the image of a deep, quiet pristine lake that hid its secrets within and below its opaque surface...

Her bright orange, globe-like vessel called forth the fiery forces that birthed the earth millions of years ago, yet it was imprisoned, held up, by powerful hand prints on either side: man's hands at work;, impressing hard on this world. The vibrant colours and complexity of glazes covering this 'globe' were quite extraordinarily and seductively beautiful."