Tales of duality
- Valerie explores the complexity of human nature in her work
- She mixes reality and the imaginary
- Her style is labelled as ‘precious baroque’
Valerie Ceulemans became a ceramicist after practising as a dietitian for years. She built a studio in her own garden, situated in a quiet Belgian village. From there she makes sculptures and tableware objects – mostly with porcelain, sometimes with clay. “I also like to travel, to discover different worlds and ways to enrich my working processes,” she says. In particular, a trip to China left an indelible impression on her. With her artwork in a unique style, labelled as ‘precious baroque’, Valérie expresses her feelings about the dualities that exist in humans. “The curves of my creations make them sensual, poetic and above all, alive. The folds, seams and holes are the stigma of life, giving them a somewhat aggressive edge.” This way, she tells intriguing tales of the good and the bad, the soft and the rough, the sensible and the reckless in people.
Interview
- How would you describe your way of making ceramics?
- I shape clay by breaking the rules, to create atypical sculptures and everyday objects. I love to sculpt stories where the imaginary and the real mingle, to stimulate the mind and senses.
- What inspires you?
- The dualities within human beings: good and evil, reason and madness, attraction and repulsion… I am also often inspired by myths and legends.
- Can you recall a moment that changed your view on your profession?
- The time I spent in China for a residency at Fuping County. After that stay, I have never been the same again. I was so impressed by how artisan know-how was transmitted over generations. From a very young age, the Chinese are immersed in this cultural heritage.
- Would you say that your craft is in danger in any way?
- On the one hand, yes, because it is difficult to make a living from this profession. On the other, no, because there definitely is a renewed interest in the craft: a growing number of people are taking ceramics courses.
Valérie Ceulemans is a master artisan: she began her career in 2006 and she started teaching in 2013
Where
Valérie Ceulemans
