I have always wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. Fashion and graphic design are part of my background, and those experiences have shaped my ceramics practice. I have been searching for a way I want to express myself, and I found it through ceramics.

The moment I put my hands in clay, my mind is taken away and I am in a creative bubble where I can spend hours focused on making something beautiful with my hands.

I started my full-time ceramics practice because my passion for ceramics grew so much that I barely worked on my 9-5 job.  I wanted to love what I do, and the endless possibilities with ceramics drew me in.

I now have a home studio which enables me to follow my dream.  I will be teaching workshops in-person and online, participating in art shows and collaborations, as well as my personal practice and online shop.

Currently I am exploring coloured clay by building Nerikomi blocks and using Neriage (marbling) techniques. With the organic nature of mixing coloured clay, I am intrigued by the unique outcome of each piece.  

Creating simple functional pieces with milky, pastel-coloured glazes are also part of my on-going research.

The name ToRu comes from a conjunction of my two grandson’s names, Tomo and Rui.

I am inspired to think that one of my hand-made pieces will brighten a small spot in your home.