Ingrid Wens

Ceramicist

©Josan van den Broek

©Celine-Steen

Celebratory plates

Ingrid enjoys experimenting with clay
She takes the planet into consideration
Her plates add a joyous touch to dinning

As a former art teacher, Ingrid Wens discovered the world of clay and ceramics relatively late in life. After being inspired by the exhibits at Design Week in Eindhoven, she decided to experiment with ceramics to have the chance to work with three dimensional shapes, in contrast to the work she had done up to that point. It was during a ceramics course that she discovered the endless possibilities of clay and its versatility. The inherent challenges of working with ceramics also attracted Ingrid to the medium. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Arendonk, she has since focused on handcrafting ceramic plates. She draws inspiration from historical European sources of decoration, adding streaks of nonchalance with her glazes that she concocts herself.

Interview

©Chantal de Baar

©Josan van den Broek

What do you love most about your craft?: I love designing. Seeing the first plate coming out of the mould is always a surprise. Also, I love it when I have used gold lustre on a plate, seeing the gold sparkle for the first time.
What does "well made" mean to you?: If a piece is usable and when it is made in such a way that there is minimal impact on the planet. Ceramics should also be made in a health-conscious way both for the maker and the eventual user of the object.
How would you define what you do?: By making unique plates, I celebrate the ritual of gathering with family and friends to share a meal, which during recent lockdowns was not so easy to do. My plates are a way of making those moments special.
What advice would you give to young ceramicists?: Find your own unique path. Distinguish yourself from others to stand out from the crowd. Try not to fire pieces that will not last, recycle the clay. Only go public with your work once you have developed your own unique style.

Ingrid Wens is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2015