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.
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