Langmans, Willy

First name: 
Willy
Initials: 
W.
Surname: 
Langmans
Year of birth: 
1957
Birthplace: 
Bornem
Country of birth: 
Belgium
Working period: 
1994
CV: 

Willy Langmans was born in Bornem (Belgium) in 1957. Between 1978 and 1984 Willy is joining the Institute for Crafts in Mechelen (BE), followed between 1985 and 1989 at the Academy of Fine Arts in St-Niklaas (BE) and between 1991 and 1994 the Academy of Fine Arts in Dendermonde (BE). 

Willy Langmans is now living in Lebbeke (Belgium).

Adress: Lange Molenstraat 83, 9280  LEBBEKE (BELGIUM) - Tel : + 32 (0)52/39 76 06

Mail : willy.langmans@pandora.be

Visit the website: www.willylangmans-ceramics.be

Work of the artist: 

Artists own story

"My potsculptures are composed of simple parts which are formed on the throwing wheel. By placing these sober and refined forms in and onto each other, these pots develop into sculptures without the pretention of being sculptures. I work with the most simple techniques. Without making use of any glaze, very subtle shades of colour arise from the burnishing of the clay, the smoking and other techniques of reduction. These nuances of colour are accentuated by means of sparsely scratched decorations.  Every excess is omitted, no frills, no superfluity, no intricate chemical formulas; to get to the heart of spirituality in all simplicity. The richness of the material and the palpability of the fire give these potforms an intriguing dimension and a monumental character. The material becomes exponent of the mind: soul and body become one. The spiritual and the earthly touch each other and cannot live without each other. For these reasons these forms seem to be objects for sacral actions.  Are they sacrificial bowls, sacred objects, ritual forms or just the result of a ritual action? I use several kinds of clay, as long as it doesn't contain any grog.  I have noticed that every clay has its own colournuance in the smokingprocess. Most of the parts of my potsculptures are thrown, except for the slices on top of the pots.  These are casted.  Herefor I use a casting body which I sometimes colour with stains.  The small forms which are in the slices are thrown with a porcelain body. After throwing, in the leatherhard stage, I burnish the pieces several times (without slib or whatever). When they are dry enough, I sometimes scratch out some decorations. Than they are biscuit fired at 950 °C. After the biscuit firing, I smoke my pots in an electrical kiln in metal bins. The small forms in the slices are treated with sulphates and fired outside in a pitfire. After the firings I join the parts together" (text from website artist).

Bibliography: 
  • Walgrave, J., ARS CERAMICA, Contemporary ceramics in Belgium, 1992.
  • Kwintessens, volume III Nr. 1, Flemish Review for crafts and design; portfolio.
  • Ingelaere-Brandt, Mit, Bloeiende Klei, Ceramics and Ikebana, 1995.
  • "Openbaar Kunstbezit in Vlaanderen", Arts and Crafts today in Flanders, 1996-1.
  • Ceramic Art Monthly, Korea, December, 1998. 
  • Kwintessens, volume IX Nr. 4, Flemish Review for crafts and design; portfolio, 2000.
  • Ceramica 02, Keramiekgids voor België, Editions Armature, 2000.
  • Artelier, Gids voor Hedendaagse Kunstambachten in België, 2004.
  • Ceramica 04, Keramiekgids voor België, Editions Armature, 2004.
  • Poorten, J-P van der en P. Vandevelde, Kunst tussen Schelde en Dender, 2004.