About
Christian Van Parys lives and works in Longueville (Brabant Wallon, Belgium). He studied under different ceramists: Claude and Cécile Delhaye, Mirko Orlandini, Francis Behets, Christiane Lebrun, Christian Masy. Although he recognizes being affiliated to these sandstone ceramists, he was quickly drawn to glazed ground, earthenware tiles and ceramics stoves. Gradually his work and interest progressed towards “simple lines” and deep warm colors.
He also tackled a new challenge; the reconstitution of ancient ceramics in the restoration of houses and buildings from the 19th and 20th century. (Architectes: P.Hankar, L.Sneyers, O.François, A.Blomme, J.Dupuis, G.Serrurier-Bovy, A.Pompe, F.Brunfaut, J.Hoffmann,... Céramistes : E.Muller, C.Helman, G.Janssens, A.Craco, A.Bigot,...).
Christian Van Parys
Ceramist
Rue de Sart-Risbart, 13
B-1325 Longueville
Belgium
+32 (0)10 88 97 71
Between these various fields (glazed ground, ceramic stoves, architectural ceramics...), a constant dialogue emerges. Ceramic creations and objects have been used and appreciated through the ages using imagination and adaptation for aesthetic and practical uses. Of course, we can also appreciate both artistic and practical qualities in many pieces of art craft. One of them, the traditional ceramic stove, is still used in Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
For centuries, these stoves have been an ingenious and ecological heating method. Through a specific wood combustion system combined with the earthenware tiles and refractory bricks, they conserve and return heat accumulation over a long time. Often, they were created with attractive patterns and ornaments. Installed in the main room, they reflected a true identity, and therefore, a great attention was focused on the work and design. Today, this tradition is still alive. The various possibilities of shapes, colors, pattern allow for infinite expressions of creativity.
Architectural ceramic reconstitution is a real challenge for specific aesthetic periods (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modernism). The different technical skills required to achieve the proper results call for patience and determination while seeking the proper combination of components and glazes. But this research through the past informs and captivates our imagination for the evolution of today’s ceramic art craft.
