About the Artist

 

Geert Vanderplancke is a Belgian sculptor whose artistic journey and style reflect a deep connection to his roots, his surroundings, and the intrinsic soul of his materials. Born and raised on the west coast, Geert developed a passion for art at a young age by observing the life around him. This early encounter with sculpture ignited a lifelong fascination with artistic expression.

 

Artistic Philosophy and Style

 

Geert's artistic approach is closely intertwined with his admiration for nature, particularly the North Sea and the landscape surrounding his hometown. His sculptural philosophy emphasizes "conquering space without diminishing the spiritual essence of each volume." This ethos is reflected in his sculptures, which seem to awaken from their material as living entities, possessing an ethereal grace and a profound presence.

 

Creative Process

 

Inspired by the everyday beauty of his surroundings, Geert often ventures into the dunes and beaches, capturing forms and light through sketches, studies, and photographs. These preparatory works lay the foundation for his sculptures, but it is during the sculpting process itself that the true magic happens. Each strike of his hammer is a creative decision, a fusion of intuition and craftsmanship, transforming raw materials—whether wood, stone, or metal—into intriguing forms.

 

Materials and Techniques

 

Although Geert has worked with various materials such as plaster, Belgian blue limestone, Corten steel, and bronze, he has a particular affinity for wood, especially Azobé wood, known as one of the hardest woods in the world. This challenging material tests his skills and allows him to express his ideas with unparalleled depth and authenticity. Despite his artistic education, Geert deliberately distances himself from contemporary art trends, embracing a style that is entirely unique and deeply rooted in his personal experiences and environment.

 

International Recognition

 

Geert Vanderplancke’s sculptures have gained international attention and have been exhibited in galleries around the world. His works testify to his talent, creativity, and the deep connection between art and nature that defines his career.

Through his sculptures, Geert not only shares his personal vision but also invites viewers to explore the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of his art, offering a glimpse into the soul of the materials he so masterfully shapes.

 

artistic studies

 

  •      1987 – 1990: Academy of fine arts at Koksijde ( Belgium)
  •       1995 – 2010: Academy of  Fine Arts Poznan (Poland)
  •       Since 1995  :  Personal Studies in the field of art and design in different European countries  

                      

Main exhibitions

 

  •    1988 – 1994: Brugge, Oostende, Koksijde, Aalter, Oudenburg, Nieuwpoort  and Veurne
  •     1995 and 1996: Outdoor exhibition  Heenvliet (Netherlands)
  •     1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001 : Outdoor exhibition "Beelden in het witte dorp" Lissewege  
  •     2000 and 2001 : Outdoor exhibition  Lichtaart (Belgium)
  •      2000 : exhibition and inauguration of a wooden sculpture in Edinburgh (Scotland)
  •       Between 2002 and 2009 : Liége, Bruxelles, Brugge, Veurne and Middelkerke (Belgium).
  •      2005 : Galery "Marziart"  Hamburg (Germany)
  •      2010 – 2011 : Poznan (Poland)
  •       2014 : Exhibition "Mai en Cambresis"  Cambrai ( France)
  •    2015 :  - Exhibition "Traces d'artistes & courants d'art  II"  CC Scharbillie  De panne

                 - Exhibition " Mobil'Art"  Liége

  •   2016 :  59 th annually exhibition  - Prum ( Germany)
  •   2017 :  - Art at Cambresis, Cambrai ( France)

                 - Outdoor exhibition " Beelden in het witte dorp " Lissewege ( Belgium)

  •   2019 :    Galery " Keunekapel" St Idesbald Koksijde ( Belgium )
  •   2021  :    Outdoor exhibition" beelden in het witte dorp" Lissewege ( Belgium )

 

Symposia

  •  2016: Ringkobing ( DK )
  •  2017 : Rylstone Australia ( AUS )
  •  2021 : Ringkobing ( DK )