'Work from your intuition'

 FROM CANVAS TO CLAY

Lonneke loves working with her hands and her hunger for creativity started early on. She was always looking for something different in life, starting from her intuition. Lonneke is no stranger in the creative field, she went from interior design to painting canvases to clay. A few years ago, the interior industry no longer gave her the satisfaction and energy she was looking for. She came in touch with clay by chance and ever since she was hooked. “I love the purity and rawness of the clay itself. Somehow, that’s a match with my work as an artisan.” Lonneke started at the turntable and continued with manual construction. The last one felt most suitable for her, so that’s what she does most. Clay has become a big part of her life and she still enjoys it immensely. 

ART FEEDS CREATIVE HUNGER

Watching art really feeds Lonneke’s hunger for creativity. “Art is the game of giving and receiving. It’s so personal and pure, I love it.” The same goes for craftsmanship. She has great respect for all forms of it. Performing a craft with your hands requires interest, attention and perseverance. People who are passionate, structured and love their work, inspire Lonneke. You can always tell these characteristics in their creations. Through social media she finds many inspiring artists from all over the world. They encourage new ideas and possibilities. But her inspiration also comes alive in exhibitions, nature or amazing shapes from her own creations. Having finished courses, workshops and art academy, Lonneke still finds it a gift to be able to work in her own studio. 

SAME STYLE, NEW TRICK

Lonneke’s creative process starts with an idea of a shape that she will continue to develop and form. After that’s set, she thinks about which clay is most suitable for the creation. “I like big, pure and simple shapes. And I use coarse clay, depending on how I want it to turn out.” Experimenting with this remains fun to do, that’s how she can change her ‘creative skin’ at work. In between, the clay must dry regularly and she’s often busy with the finish. Lonneke makes these from various clay sludge, sometimes with additions from pigment or oxide. But never with a lot of frosting, only for the insides or as an additional emphasis. She applies the layers over each other with spatulas, brushes or with her bare hands. “Funny fact: I apply the finish the same way I do with painting my canvases. I guess that’s just my style!”