About The Artist

Elise was born on the East Rand and spent three years of her youth living in Kenya. After receiving her education at various schools both in Kenya and in South Africa,she matriculated at Kempton Park High School. Elise Du Toit is a ceramic artist and painter and has exhibited at various places such as the Kuns Uniek-autumnexhibition in 2004 and has also designed the ceramic containers for the Natura Giants of Africa coins in 2005

TERTIARY TRAINING

Though she undertook a three-year course in graphic design at the Tshwane University of Technology (the former Pretoria Technikon), she somehow always felt an affinity for ceramics. After completing the graphic design course, she was appointed as a Draftswoman with African Civil Engineers (Africon).

EXPERIENCE

Elise held her post with Africon for 24 years. Throughout this period she maintained her contact with ceramics. During her final two years with Africon, she began to teach ceramics as a freelancer. This last step inspired her to take the plunge and to go it alone.

Over the past ten years Elise du Toit has held a number of one-man exhibitions and has sold much of her work to various outlets. She has received commissions from various game lodges, among others, from a game lodge near Madrid, Spain. In November 2004 her work was also exhibited in Guernsey, UK. She regularly participates in the Kuns Uniek and Art Alive exhibitions, where she is a sell out.

AWARD

Elise received an award from The Potters’ Association for her exceptional porcelain work.

WORKS

In addition to her numerous object d’art, Elise is currently known for her finely crafted figurines, which are in great demand.

VIEWS

Our perceptions of African art are largely formed by what we see at flea markets and at roadside stalls. As fellow Africans and inhabitants of this mysterious continent, we need to look beyond the run-of-the-mill curio-type objects that are flogged to the undiscerning public. The African continent is a rich source of refined and unique culture that is still largely untapped.