A sense of humour
- Hugo has received important prizes for his work
- He creates commissions for contemporary artists
- He captures Belgium's surrealist humour
Hugo’s infatuation with ceramics was sparked by a television programme he saw as a child, featuring a potter. “I was only 6 years old,” he recalls, “and the next day I took an old record player, smashed some mud from the garden on it and was literally electrified for the rest of my life!” He followed a few master classes and courses, but he is mostly self-taught: the level of expertise he has achieved in all ceramic techniques has enabled him to play with the endless versatility of clay and porcelain for the last 30 years. Although he loves turning clay, because of the sensitivity of this technique and the opportunity to push materials to their limits, most of his designs are cast. “I prefer this technique for the possibilities it offers of formal development and modulation of the thicknesses of the walls, more than for its vocation to create multiples. In fact, I sometimes resort to casting for a unique piece.”
Interview
- Why is ceramics important to you?
- Because you can create almost everything in a very simple way. Meanwhile it gives a real boost in your life! I have a predilection for porcelain, but I also work with earthenware and mixtures. In fact, I often make my own clay out of industrial materials.
- Why are your works mostly monochrome?
- I like to work with black, white and gold. Or rather with whites, blacks and golds. I am looking for a wide variety of shades. I sometimes come back to colour, but mostly the colour comes from the materials themselves, like the red of brick.
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your craft?
- My work is a combination of traditional techniques and contemporary ideas and concepts. I don't have the feeling to be an innovator, it's so much technique-based nowadays.
- What does well made mean to you?
- It's a fine blend of creativity and techniques, without losing important aspects such as humour and good taste. I think it's really important to have the feeling that you love to work in this profession. It's so simple to feel that. It's like being in love.
Hugo Meert is a master artisan: he began his career in 1991 and he started teaching in 1990
Works
Where
Hugo Meert
