Statement

 

Leonie Stellema is a visual artist inspired by the nature in her immediate surroundings. The forests of Overijssel, the misty meadows. She searches for a new, personal connection with nature.

..."When I walk through the forest and look and listen to all the life around me, I am the observer. I see all the different shades of green, I hear the wind in the canopy, I smell the earth and the life beneath my feet.

Am I a part of this? Am I allowed to be a part of this? "...

Leonie tries to convey this sense of disconnection through clay. Her figures are interwoven with nature, without the intervention of sacred or scientific judgments. With an open mind and with feeling.

Leonie works from her studio in Overijssel, where she works full-time as a visual artist. She also teaches ceramics classes, including both throwing techniques and sculpting.

"I choose the slow process of pottery."

Leonie creates diverse work, from earthenware to art objects.

"I love throwing everyday objects on the potter's wheel, but also building and shaping the clay by hand. Although I can achieve a smooth finish, it's necessary to leave wrinkles and imperfections here and there. The work should show that it has been in motion."

 

 

Memberships:

Member of the Ceramics Foundation North Netherlands SKNN

Publications, events and exhibitions:

2025 Kunsthal Almelo: Connected exhibition with Sebastiaan Spit and Petar Tuskan

2025 Noordwijk church: solo exhibition

2024 International Center for the Arts, Monte Castello di Vibio Italy: group exhibition

2024 Norg: Wonderground Art Festival

 

 

Qualifications:

 

 

ARTEZ university of the arts, Zwolle: Bachelor fine arts 2001-2005

Keramikos, Haarlem: Basics of wheel throwing by Angelique Homberg

Kleistad ceramics centre, Amersfoort : Wheel throwing lessons by Daan Gunneweg

Clay College Stoke, Middleport Pottery: Improvers Throwing Masterclass with Brian Dickenson

Tinne Debruijne studio, Charente 2022 : Masterclass Paper Porcelain by Tinne Deb ruijne

International Center for the Arts, Monte Castello di Vibio 2024: Sculpture Masterclass by Sharon Griffin