Tell us about your studio. Where is it and what kind of space is it?
Nestled in the tranquil town of Keerbergen, Belgium, between the cultural hubs of Brussels and Antwerp, Christel’s studio is an enchanting blend of a spacious attic and an expansive garden. This artistic haven resides within her mansion, enveloped by nature’s splendour and rich in creative energy.
As you step through the entrance, the first sight that greets you is the sprawling garden, a veritable sanctuary adorned with majestic thirty-year-old pine trees and towering oaks. These venerable trees, cherished by Christel and her husband Michael, stand as sentinels of history and growth. Passionate about maintaining this green legacy, they continually plant new species that thrive under evolving climate conditions. This lush haven attracts a delightful array of fauna, from vibrant birds to playful squirrels, adding a symphony of life to the landscape. The garden is also a social hub, where Michael and Christel relish hosting friends for lively BBQ sessions, amplifying the joy of good company.
Christel shares, “We love to have friends over and organize BBQs in our garden. During spring and summer, the garden becomes my open-air studio. The action painting I do means the grass, plants, and even trees often end up covered in vibrant colours.”
Inside the mansion, Christel’s studio occupies the attic, a spacious retreat where creativity flows freely. “My attic studio is where I work most of the year,” she explains. “But when the weather is nice, I move outside. The connection with nature is essential for my creative process.”
This dual workspace—attic and garden—provides a unique blend of a controlled indoor environment and wild, natural inspiration, allowing Christel’s artistic process to flourish in harmony with the seasons.
What tool or art supply do you enjoy working with the most, and why?
Christel’s approach to art is innovative and resourceful, finding beauty and utility in the most unexpected places. “Almost anything can become a tool when needed,” she explains. “But I have a particular fondness for cutlery. For the past few years, I’ve used knives and other utensils for scraping and carving”
Her creative arsenal doesn’t stop at traditional tools. “I also use a spoon with a unique peak, which helps me achieve specific textures and effects,” she continues. “I also incorporate natural elements such as sand and straw into my work. These materials bring an organic quality to my pieces, connecting my art to the natural world.”
Christel adds, “My habit of using almost everything for my art often leads to missing items in the kitchen or my husband’s office. We’ve had quite a few moments searching for something, only to find it covered in paint in my studio!”