Breaking down barriers
- Ana-Belén built her own wood-firing kiln
- She works with high-temperature glazes to build volume on her pieces
- In her studio, she organises training courses for students
Ana-Belén Montero is a sculptor and ceramicist who seeks strong connections with nature and deep human bonds. She works from her studio, located on the Condroz plateau in the Namur region, which offers a natural setting in harmony with her work. Ana-Belén's diverse artistic training in Salamanca, Liège and Namur, combined with numerous masterclasses with peers, helped her become an ever-curious artist. In addition to her specialisation in ceramics, a craft she teaches, Ana-Belén breaks down barriers between techniques by combining them with other artistic disciplines, such as video-mapping during installations. "Creating allows me to forge links with my students, clients and exhibitions visitors," she says.
Interview
- What event has had the greatest impact on your career?
- My first solo exhibition in 2017 came to life during my stay on La Gomera island, home to one of Europe's last remaining primary forests. I was deeply impressed by this ecosystem, which has been remarkably efficient for thousands of years. My installation was immersive and included mixed media and photographs.
- What distinguishes your ceramics?
- I use local stoneware clays and make my own glaze recipes with ash from plants that grow near my studio, which is surrounded by fields and forests. I also built my own wood-fired kiln for firing stoneware and porcelain.
- How is your multidisciplinary approach expressed in your work?
- My research focuses on various subjects depending on the project. I study screen printing on ceramics and the addition of small sewn porcelain elements and different materials to clays. I sometimes use glazes as glass pastes, and even work with video mapping, a technology that can transform any surface into a dynamic canvas.
- Does teaching play an important role in your life?
- Through teaching, I can share my research and commitment. I have taught at the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Marche-en-Famenne and Namur, and I organise training courses in my studio. I have also designed exhibitions, notably as an art director at Ceramic Art Andenne.
Ana-Belén Montero is a master artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2012
Where
Ana-Belén Montero
