Jeannine Vrins

Atelier Oker

Ceramicist

©Jeannine Vrins

Going beyond beauty

Jeannine constantly plays with contrasts
She explores new scientific techniques
She helps students to look beyond technical skill

Jeannine Vrins is constantly playing with contrasts in her ceramic creations. “I am inspired by objects that form a stark contrast with nature,” she says. “Like building cranes, which instill both wonder and fear. Their force and grace amaze me, but they also cause a dizzying dread of falling.” Jeannine processes these feelings in clay by seeking a balance between hardness and softness, functionality and expression. She is a strong supporter of combining traditional methods and advanced scientific techniques. “It is a way of remaining original in a craft with such an ancient history. Curiosity propels me towards new solutions.” She is passionate about sharing her insights with students – in her studio Atelier Oker, at art academies and at university level. “Teaching also nourishes my own work.”

Interview

©Jeannine Vrins

©Jeannine Vrins

What is an important piece of advice you often give to students?: I noticed that many students believe that their work will be good as long as they use many intricate methods and special decorative effects. But such tricks actually often stand in the way of creativity and artistic insights. So I tell them that ceramics is much more than technical skill.
So how can they create truly well made objects?: With honest originality and distinctive design. This way, they can really move people, create something that goes beyond being beautiful. Something that draws you into a different world, that stays with you. Skills only serve to help make this happen.
Does your craft face any specific threats in your country?: Belgium hardly has a ceramic industry anymore. Many local ceramicists cannot keep up with new scientific insights. Traditional knowledge is often passed down without being re-examined, so ceramicists miss out on innovative techniques.
Do you have a guilty pleasure in your area of interest?: I am fascinated by ceramic kitsch, like those figurines placed on a lace doily or mass-produced vases with golden edges. They are not ugly and inferior to me, I can derive pleasure from them. As a child, I had some figurines in my room, and they were very valuable to me.

Jeannine Vrins is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2000