Posted on May 01 2017
Can you tell me a bit more about yourself and why you began designing? I did an evening course in ceramics and before I knew it I was busy doing my Masters in 3D Design Ceramics at Bath Spa Uni. Once I touched clay I was I live and work in Frome but I am originally from Belgium. I have been showing work in London, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and I have clients as far as Spain and China. I was awarded the UK Crafts Development Award the year I graduated from Bath Spa and have been awarded funding several times by the Arts Council.
Which designers/artists do you admire? Edmund Dewaal and Piet Stockman are two big names in porcelain design. I admire their ability to make amazing fine porcelain design pieces and at the same make art and installations in porcelain.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I honestly can't remember I wanted to be anything. Maybe I didn't want to grow up and I was to busy playing.
Where's your favourite place in the world? It would have to be Ghent in Belgium. It is an amazing liberal and open place. I feel free and at ease when I'm there.
Do you listen to music when you are working? If so - who are your favourite bands / singers to have on in the studio? Tom Waits and David Bowie are two examples but equally I will listen to Mozart's requiem and Beethoven's 9th.
Cats or dogs? I love cats their independent spirit. But it would have to be a dog. They are always there for you wagging their tail. I love the great Danes.
What would you be doing if you weren't an artist? Probably what I'm doing now part time: Intensive care nurse at Bath Spa RUH. But I think I would like to lecture art/ceramics.
Tell us something not many people know about you? I collect 78 records. I think I got about a 1000. I love listening to the old crackle and original voices.
What's your motto for life? I don't have a specific motto. But I do think the ability to compromise is important and not to take yourself to serious all the time.
Do you have any unusual talents? I did a face casting installation/exhibition in Frome in 2012. Since then I have done about 100 face casts in plaster.
What is your favourite film? The 5th Element by Luc Besson: brilliant! I must have seen it more then 10 times.
What three things would you save from your home in a fire (not living!) ? A little box with old photographs off my family, my laptop (my life is on that thing) and my leather jacket.
Who inspires you the most? It would have to be my father. He raised 5 kids. He was always kind and polite. He thought me that money isn't that important and is just something to be used and do stuff with. And he treated everybody the same no matter if you where mayor or cleaner.