You must have seen Elise du Toit’s ornaments around and admired them or even bought them to decorate your home. This talented artist's work is brilliant and a funky breath of fresh air in any home. We decided to get to know her a little better and find out where her inspiration comes from.
About Elise du Toit
Elise (64) is an experienced artist who lives close to Pretoria and absolutely loves her job. She 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. Although se had always been passionate about ceramics, she decided to go and study graphic design at the Tshwane University of Technology. After completing the graphic design course, she was appointed as a Draftswoman with African Civil Engineers (Africon), where she worked for 24 years. But she never lost ‘contact’ with or forgotten her love for ceramics.
During her final two years with Africon, she began to teach ceramics as a freelancer and this was also the thing that inspired her to quit het job and pursue a career as an artist – something she has never regretted. Her ceramic hobby literally turned into her job!
Now, fifteen years down the line, her work can be seen in the homes, shops and galleries of many South Africans. Over the past ten years Elise has also had 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 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 sold every piece that was exhibited. She furthermore also received an award from The Potters’ Association for her exceptional porcelain work.
About her work
She originally started off with functional items like tea sets (during the time she taught ceramics as a freelancer). At the moment she is well known for her popular ornamental figurines. Her work is characterised by female themes like old fashioned ladies in bathing suits, angels, figurines with pear shaped bodies and delicate faces. These sculptures are available in various sizes, ranging from 30cm to life-size. But this is not the only work that she does; she also makes interesting bowls and loves doing focussed paintings. In some of her paintings she actually visualises a certain type of person by simply doing a painting of their shoes and connecting this to a certain type of class or personality by adding one other item, like a handbag. Her work can be viewed on http://www.art.co.za/ind.htm.
Tips from Elise
We decided to ask her a few important questions about ornaments in the home.
Q: Some people find it difficult to decide where to place their sculptures – please give our readers advice on where the ideal spot for each type of sculpture would be?
A: “Sculptures should be placed according to the space you have available and in relation to the size of the sculpture. Small sculptures are easier to move around and in general you can have more fun with these items. You can for instance use something in the bathroom today and use the same items as decoration on your coffee table tomorrow. Larger sculptures involve more planning, because it literally becomes the focal point around which you plan the rest. Larger sculptures are a great focal point for any dead corner. Life-size sculptures should be placed at its height. A figurine that is sitting will be well suited for the living room, whilst a standing figurine will work well next to a door or entrance.”
Q: How does one distinguish between sculptures that are suitable for outside use and those suited to be used inside?
A: “For the outside area you should go for sculptures made from more durable materials such as concrete, marble, steel, etc. Indoors you can play around with fragile materials such as porcelain, ceramics, glass, etc. as well as more durable materials.”
Q: What inspires you?
A: “I am inspired by cloths, carpets, patterns and woven materials. I often buy fashion magazines to see what is going on and to establish what effect current fashion has on women’s figures. I think I might have gone into fashion if it wasn’t for my passion for ceramics, but I am quite satisfied with where I am in life.”
Q: What would you say the current trend is as far as sculptures are concerned?
A: “I would think the trend at the moment is more functional but still funky.”
For more information about Elise’s work, phone 012 667 2185 or send an e-mail to medp@telkomsa.net.
Some other information you may need to know
What is ceramics?
According to Wikipedia.org; the word ‘ceramics’ comes from the Greek word keramikos, meaning ‘pottery’, which in turn comes from keramos, meaning ‘potter’s clay. Most traditional ceramic products were made from clay (or clay mixed with other materials), shaped and subjected to heat, and tableware and decorative ceramics are generally still made like that. In modern ceramic engineering usage, ceramics is the art and science of making objects from inorganic, non-metallic materials by the action of heat. It excludes glass and mosaic made from glass tesserae.
Interesting sites where you can learn more about ceramics and what is available:
http://www.ceramicssa.org/Home.html
http://www.ceramicworld.co.za/ceramic.html
http://www.ardmoreceramics.co.za/
http://www.ceramicstoday.com/
http://www.southernartceramics.com/
http://www.pottery.co.za
How to choose art for your home
- It’s personal: Choose art that you like, even if it does not match the colour of the carpet or the sofa. If it makes you happy and excited, it is the right choice.
- Long term service: When purchasing art select pieces that you will love and appreciate for a long time. See it as an investment.
- Looks can be deceiving: Remember that art will look different in your home than what it looks like in the gallery or store.
- Ask the expert: Talk to an interior designer and ask for suggestions on how to place your artwork to be best appreciated.
- A special place: Your artwork will reveal a lot about your personality. Ensure that you have a special and visible place to display it in your home.
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