Laura du Toit was born in Cape Town, she has been a resident in Stellenbosch since 1980. She completed her BA degree at the University of Stellenbosch with initial training in ceramics with Nicole Palmer. This was continued by completing the N5 in Ceramics and Drawing with Ralph Johnson at Paarl Technicon in 1990. Du Toit has been a ceramic teacher for the past 15 years, sharing her love for clay. Du Toit places her main interest in the shapes, textures, geological formations and colours found in nature – on earth and in space. She emphasis that images of celestial bodies fascinate and inspire her and it is the “slow process of coiling and pinching clay and multiple firings with different glazes that is ideal for expressing these interests”.

 

Highlights, exhibitions and experience:

 

2012   Merit Award, Regional Exhibition, Alphen Estate, Constantia      

           Collaborative KLEI-KLANK, Woordfees, SASOL Art Museum      

           FIRED, The Granary, Castle of Good Hope

 

2010   Merit Award, CSA National Grande Provence Gallery, Franschoek      

            Rose Korber Art Salon

 

2009   Solo DEEP FIELD at Lights from Africa, Constantia

 

2008   CSA Regional, Rust and Vrede Art Gallery, Durbanville

 

2007   Merit Award, CSA Regional, Western Cape      

            Solo ELEMENT, Rust and Vrede Art Gallery, Durbanville      

            Rose Korber Art Salon2005   Centenary Overgaauw Wine Estate

 

2003   Oil Painting Course, Denver Art Museum

 

2002   CSA National AFRICAN EARTH, Johannesburg

 

2000   Duo with Hannes Harrs, Dorp Street Gallery

 

1996   Ceramicist of the Year Award, voted by the public at CSA Regional

 

1992   Highly commended Award, CSA Regional

 

1990   Duo with Nina van der Westhuizen, Dorp Street Gallery

 

Collections that house Laura du Toit's creations:

Sasol Art Museum

University Stellenbosch

Tokara

IZIKO Social History Museum

Several private commissions amongst others for clients in New York.