?Well, how does someone become a visual artist? I feel like I have always been one. But it took a while before my artistry really came to express itself.
That moment now lies 25 years behind me. Even before that time, I would draw and paint, and I loved being busy with clay. How I loved it, making beautiful things out of clay! That is why I decided to specialise in ceramics and sketching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Eeklo (Belgium).
Broad horizons!
I spent eleven years studying at the Academy, because I wanted to expand my horizon. That is why I graduated in multiple disciplines, like applied ceramics and sculptural ceramics. But after my studies, my hunger for knowledge was still not satiated! I took multiple courses and workshops with several artists in ceramics. You will encounter the fruits of all that effort in my gallery.
Ceramics led to painting
It was because of ceramics that I developed my drawing- and painting skills. I drew on my ceramic objects. While doing that, I was met with some technical difficulties. And so, I started drawing and painting on other sorts of materials. Buyers and others who were following my work also seemed to enjoy my abstract drawings and paintings.
Art career accelerated
Before I knew it, my home atelier became too small and so I moved to my current atelier/gallery. After that, my art career expanded rapidly. I wanted to share my knowledge and skills, and that is why I teach, for example at Toonbeeld in Terneuzen. A busy but exciting life, of which I will often inform you about on this website. See you in my gallery!
Awards and nominations
- Academy of fine arts: Award for extraordinary achievement
- 1991: Nominated for and displayed art at “Le Flacon Céramique” International Concours de Céramique/Prix de la Ville Carouge (Switzerland)
- 1994: Nominated for and displayed art at XIVe Biënnale Internationale de Céramique d’Art, Vallouris (France)
- 1998: Award from the jury of Kreathor, Belgium
- 2015: Nominated for the Brisbane Art Prize
Other activities
- Teacher of ceramics at Toonbeeld in Terneuzen, CKV workshops and primary schools that are part of the Cultuurmenu project
- Organizer and arranger of the art fair and exposition at the annual Mosselfeesten in Philippine
- Secretary of the Stichting Aaquaart art collective
- Former arranger of art fairs on events (for example: the art fair in Westdorpe, 2002)
- Former arranger of exhibitions at Echo-Expo in Terneuzen
My drive: Creativity
It is probably no surprise: Before I became a ‘true’ artist, I have been employed in several creative jobs. I worked as a labour-and social therapist in a psychiatric hospital, and an occupational therapist in an elderly home. I enjoyed helping clients and the elderly with creative therapy. How it can help a person open up is always a surprise. It is truly heartwarming what positive effects it can have.
