Renowned ceramicist Dina Prinsloo recently launched Points for Departure, a book on three decades of her ceramic work in which she presents her life’s work through a sumptuous collection of photographs, text, diagrams and notes. The book documents her collaborations with prominent South African architects in which she has created sculptural objects and containers that become extensions of site and the built structure.

Dina Prinsloo’s ceramic pieces draw their inspiration from the flora, soils and rocks of the Highveld. Pots echo the structure of the ‘Raasblare’ of the Combretum and Terminalia trees, while plant containers mimic the form and function of fertile rock crevices. Her pieces are always conceptualised on site in consultation with both architect and home-owner but nevertheless retain her characteristic organic, geometrical style.

She favours freeform construction and the abstraction of detail but one is always able to see traces of the surrounding vegetation, and sometimes even the personality of the home-owner, reflected in the piece.

Dina Prinsloo was born in Johannesburg where she continues to live and work. A BA and Honours Degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand followed by a Masters Degree in Languages from Unisa have provided the intellectual underpinning of her work, whilst a keen interest in and knowledge of the indigenous plants of the Highveld region have provided the inspiration for her unique ceramic pieces.

Published in soft cover by David Krut Publishing, the book retails at R295. ISBN: 978-0-620-38620-3