Neverending story of my life as an artist.

As a representative of Wallonia.be and an artist, I’d like to share a bit about my journey. 

Throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to various forms of creativity. My artistic journey began with drawing as a child, and at the age of 13, I took a leap into cooking school, where I delved into the world of flavors and the pleasures of culinary arts. However, there came a point when I felt the need for change, which led me to explore the realm of leather crafting. I created everything from functional items to stunning wall hangings, and during that time, I dabbled in painting, though it never quite felt like my true path.

After a serious climbing accident, I picked up a chainsaw and channeled my energy into wood sculpting, crafting pieces ranging from one to four meters tall. This rigorous work took a toll on my body, and for health reasons, I eventually had to set the chainsaw aside. 

Then, I discovered the art of woodturning, making bowls, lamps, and more. This exploration naturally led me to my current passion: creating fountain pens. Once again, I started from scratch, learning the intricacies of turning pens and silversmithing. My background in sculpture proved invaluable as I ventured into lost wax techniques and used a variety of materials, including marble, precious stones, and ancient woods dating back to 200 A.D. Each time someone claimed a project was impossible, that’s when the excitement truly began for me.

I’m dedicated to crafting unique pens—this is where my heart lies, and the possibilities for innovation are endless. Now, as I approach my 54th year, I feel a compelling urge to delve into blacksmithing, a journey that began just two months ago. 

My first major piece in this new craft is a candleholder, marking a shift from my prior creation of a simple rose. I’m eager to explore this fascinating art further and look forward to making a variety of objects. It’s going to be an exciting adventure.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my small contribution to Wallonia.be!