Di Tocker: Glass Maker and Human

Di Tocker balances glass making with family life, choosing to work from a private home-based studio. 

She studied glass at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. There, Di was exposed to all aspects of glass making and chose to focus on casting. After graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she then returned home to New Zealand and began her career as a full-time artist.

Di maintains a structured approach to her practice and business. She exhibits annually, and provides work for select galleries throughout New Zealand, and undertakes commissions for private residences and commercial projects. Di loves to connect with people who enjoy her glass work and welcomes visitors to her studio by appointment.

I can't imagine a time when I won't make glass. It [glass] has become an obsession.

Di spends her time outside of the glass studio enjoying yoga, cycling, and spending time with her husband Mike and daughters Ruby and Hazel. 

Awards and Prizes

2022 – Highly Commended, RT Nelson Awards for Sculpture, Wellington, New Zealand

2020 – Peoples Choice Award, NZSAG Members Exhibition, NZ Glassworks, Whanganui, New Zealand

2015 - Third Prize, Sculptural, and Decorative Glass, Easter Show Exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand 

2014 - Peoples Choice Award, NZSAG Members Exhibition, Pah Homestead, Auckland, New Zealand

2014 - First Prize, Sculptural, and Decorative Glass, Easter Show Exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand 

2014 - Peoples Choice Award, Sculptural, and Decorative Glass, Easter Show Exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand 

2011 - Finalist, Ranamok Glass Prize, Canberra Glassworks, Australia 

2010 – Winner of Excellence Award, The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, Hamilton, New Zealand

2002 – Winner of Australian Combustion Services Award for Excellence, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia