Exposition National Tree Museum in the Netherlands

52 Ceramic artists created an exposition “Ode aan de Natuur” in the National Tree Museum “Gimborn” in Doorn in the Netherlands from April 11 - June 7, 2026. The park is open every day from 9.00 am - 7pm. There is an entree fee of €9,50.

“Standing Tall” Installation; high fired slip engraved cylinders with steel frame.

“Standing Tall” Installation

Brabant Art Fair

You are all invited to come to the Brabant Art Fair in Tilburg, the Netherlands!!!
https://brabantartfair.nl/bezoeken/

The Art Fair is on Saturday March the 21st and Sunday March the 22nd!!!

The hours are from 11am - 17:30pm.

The address is: NS-Plein, 5014 DA Tilburg; https://brabantartfair.nl/locatie/

4th Exhibition of the traveling group Expos from IAC Benelux

The 4th exhibition of the traveling IAC Benelux group “Vision and Fusion” is part of the 5th Biennale “De Mains de Maitres Luxembourg” and opens on November 18 - November 25, 2025. The address is: 19, Avenue de la Liberte, L-1160 Gare, Luxembourg.

The fourth stage of the IAC Benelux Members' exhibition, Fusion of Vision, showcases the work of 23 renowned artists from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The exhibition aims to highlight the richness and innovative diversity of ceramic art in the Benelux region, showcasing a variety of styles, techniques and artistic perspectives. The concepts of vision and fusion characterise our current era. As IAC Benelux members, the artists are connected to a network of international artists via the Academy. Yet they remain individual artists with their own vision. At the same time, they forge connections between different cultures through ceramics. Their works reflect the contrast between connection and confusion, showcasing the diverse coherence of ceramic art.

SOUL DISKS

IAC-BENELUX Exposition during the conference in Portugal

I am part of a subgroup of the IAC: the IAC BENELUX group (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg). This group organized this exhibition and we are very busy with the organization of many other exhibitions in Europe. This was our first exhibition together and the theme was called: “Fusion of Vision”. The exposition was set up at the conference center in Caldas da Rainha and was beautifully done.

The exposition

The opening of the exposition

My works with blue slipware: “Water-of-Life” Vase and Matcha boxes.

Together with Mieke Everaet with the 2 porcelain bowls and Maria Kortenaar with the big porcelain bowl.

ON COVER AND INCLUDED IN BOOKLET OF “KERAMIEK EN GLAS, KUNST MET KARAKTER”

ON COVER AND INCLUDED IN BOOKLET OF “KERAMIEK EN GLAS, KUNST MET KARAKTER”

22 Dutch Ceramic and Glass artists showing their most beautiful works in a booklet “Ceramics and Glass, Art with Character” made by the “Jakunst-team” directed by David Polak.

Cover of “Keramiek en Glas” cover

Inside of Cover.

Inside the booklet.



The IAC/AIC Conference in Geneva Switzerland from Sept 11 - Sept 20, 2022.

This September, I participated in the International Academy of Ceramics (AIC/IAC) 50th congress, "Melting Pot", in the field of ceramics today and will discus questions of identity and interaction from Sept. 12-20, 2022, held in the International Conference Center (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland. We were altogether around 300 people from 77 countries. The International Academy of Ceramics is the principal organization representing the interests of ceramists worldwide.

The 5-day program will consist of professional and academic lectures given by specialists in various fields related to the theme, debate sessions, the opening night of the international exhibition at the Ariana Museum, inaugurations and visits to exhibitions.

Fountain in the Lac Leman in Geneva.

The “L’ecole des Arts Decoratifs” the ceramic direction I attended for 2 years in Geneva. It’s now called ”Haute Ecole des Arts Decoratifs”.

The “Mont Blanc” from across the lake.

New members announcement on a tv screen.

The first two days were filled with keynote and member lectures.
On the first night, there were three exhibition openings at the Ariana Museum , the only museum in Switzerland devoted entirely to kilncraft and so filled with worldwide ceramics and glass. Along with some excellent conference presentations, we enjoyed festivities in this museum.
On the second night we visited galleries and museum in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town.

Inside the Ariana Museum.

Opening of the exhibition in the Ariana Museum.

At the Ariana Museum.

A beautiful plate at the Arian Museum.

I received my acceptance diploma: a welcome as a new member in the IAC/AIC.

On Wednesday the General Assembly was held with a visit to the Palais des Nations (United Nations) in the afternoon with two exhibition openings. In the evening it was UNESCO night.

Visiting the United Nations.

Plate exposition at the United Nations.

The United Nations: 179 flags/nations.

Installation exposition at the United Nations.

General Assembly.

Broken Leg Chair in front of United Nations symbolizing both fragility and strength, imbalance and stability, violence and dignity.

The next day we had a bus excursion. It included the opening reception of the 1st half of the exhibition of, "Melting Pot: National SwissCeramics", at the Museum of Art and History of Neuchâtel (MahN). Then, a guided tour at La Ferme des Tilleuls, Renens: “Materia”. Finally, the exhibition opening at the Château de Nyon: “Melting Pot: Swissceramics National Exhibition” (2nd part) with dinner at the chateau. The view from the chateau was spectacular.

Inside hall staircase MahN Museum.

Opening exposition at Mahn Museum.

One of the many art works.

Aline Favre: She was my teacher at the L’ecole des Arts Decoratifs and many more art works.

Artist Danielle.

La Ferme des Tilleuls: artist Danielle.

One of many artworks: Art work from Claudia at the chateau.

View from the Chateau de Nyon.

Many teapots from one artist.

We had round table discussions on Friday morning and the afternoon was free to visit galleries.
The closing dinner of the 50th IAC Congress at the Institut Florimont on Friday evening was a huge success: well attended with good food and dancing.

All day Saturday many galleries throughout the city, especially Carouge, exhibited a variety of ceramics with receptions with exhibition openings that various groups visited on a walking tours. Overall, there were more than 30 exhibitions in national and private museums, art galleries and historical or contemporary institutions.

One art work I liked at one of the expositions at Carouge.

One art work I liked at one of the expositions at Carouge.

One art work I liked at one of the expositions at Carouge.

“Bling Bling” exposition at Carouge: Zuckerberg, Musk, Bezos by Stephanie.

“Bling, Bling” Exposition

“Bling Bling” exposition at Carouge: Shamai

“Bling Bling” exposition at Carouge

On Monday, Sept. 19, there was an all day excursion provided by SwissCeramics. It included 25 people, who took advantage of the opportunity to visit outside Geneva. We visited museums and galleries in Yverdons-les Bains and Prangins, plus enjoyed a delightful lunch and dinner together.

I had a great time and was glad to be back in Switzerland after 45 years. It was wonderful to see many ceramist friends from around the world.

On our way to Neuchatel.

Chateau d’Echandens, the village in lived in.

On our way.

Amstellanddag/Open studio on June the 12th!!!

I am ready with my art in the frontyard for the upcoming “Amstellanddag”. I participate with my SwanCeramics Art Gallery to show that art is an important expression influenced by living in this beautiful landscape and living along the river “The Amstel”. The gallery is open the whole day from 10am to 5pm.

It is Amstellanddag on June 12, 2022. This day is organized to show and enjoy the beautiful cultural and historical “Amstelland” with its farmhouses, nature, art en recreational enjoyment of this region. Very important is to show and discuss how to protect this special environment of the “Amstelland” surroundings.

Please, come and visit and enjoy my art.

Achterdijk 29, 1191JH,
Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

My new “Tulipa” slipware vase mounted on a pedestal in the front yard!

Map of all the events.

Number 9 is SwanCeramics Art Gallery.

The frontpage of the flyer.

Dovetail Gallery, Healdsburg, California

The Dovetail Gallery, a fine art design luxury store, accepted my horsehair works which I was able to carry in my suitcases recently for a visit. I am very glad to have some work again in the USA, where I lived for 30 years. Thank you so much Patricia for your appreciation and acceptance.

https://www.shopdovetail.com/about.html

The gallery.

The gallery.

Kintsugi Horsehair Raku Plate.

4 Horsehair Raku Plates.

Mishima Horsehair Raku Plate and “In-Motion” Horsehair Raku Vase.

Finalist in ICAN 2nd Holiday Cup Show

You have been selected as Finalist winner for the ICAN 2nd Annual Holiday Cup Show! By being selected, you will have the opportunity of your work being displayed in ICAN's online gallery and viewed by thousands of fellow ICAN members; along with the other winners of the 2nd Annual Holiday Cup Show, November 11– January 7, 2022.

https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/Contests/ICANOnlineExhibition/ICAN-Online-Juried-Show-Exhibition-Archives-198456/2nd-annual-ican-cup-show-gallery

ICAN = International Ceramic Artist Network

Slipware “GREEN” Cup

Artworks at Gallery 8 Archer in Tongeren, Belgium

Today, I brought art works to be included in Gallery 8 Archer owned by Nadine Van Oost in the city of Tongeren, the first established town in Belgium. The Romans ran their road, towers and walls through the city. Hence they have a beautiful Gallo-Roman museum and a big statue of the brave Ambiorix who was prince of the Eburones, leader of a Belgic tribe of north-eastern Gaul and a Belgian national hero because of his resistance against Julius Caesar, as written in Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico.

Nadine’s gallery is situated in the center in an old house which she is renovating and the gallery is beautiful!

Gallery 8 Archer in downtown Tongeren.

Gallery 8 Archer in downtown Tongeren.

Kamakura-Red glaze, Horsehair Raku on glaze Chawans, Slipware colored Chawans (Japanes teabowls), Colored glazed bowls.

Kamakura-Red glaze, Horsehair Raku on glaze Chawans, Slipware colored Chawans (Japanes teabowls), Colored glazed bowls.

Cut+Paste plus Mishima plus Horsehair Raku with horsehair, sugar and fuming of ferric chloride artworks and other artists.

Cut+Paste plus Mishima plus Horsehair Raku with horsehair, sugar and fuming of ferric chloride artworks and other artists.

Nadine’s work to the left with porcelain and pewter. My works with the “Emotion” Vases and “Dance” sculptural Vases and other artists.

Nadine’s work to the left with porcelain and pewter. My works with the “Emotion” Vases and “Dance” sculptural Vases and other artists.

“Broken” Heart, “Empty” Heart, “Full-of-love” Heart Colored Slipware Vases and Colored Slipware “Dance” Sculptural Vases. Stained glass smiley face made by Nadine’s daughter.

“Broken” Heart, “Empty” Heart, “Full-of-love” Heart Colored Slipware Vases and Colored Slipware “Dance” Sculptural Vases. Stained glass smiley face made by Nadine’s daughter.

Horsehair Raku Mishima works.

Horsehair Raku Mishima works.

Red clay, white slip, engraved, colored glazes bowls.

Red clay, white slip, engraved, colored glazes bowls.

Art Eindhoven in the Netherlands

Gefeliciteerd! Uw werk is positief geballoteerd voor de digitale presentatie tijdens Art Eindhoven (NABK), Zaterdag 4 en Zondag 5 September 2021.

Uw werken met omschrijvingen worden tijdens de beurs op 4 schermen getoond, u krijgt een vermelding in de catalogus en er wordt 1 werk getoond op de website. Na afloop van de beurs wordt de volledige presentatie van werken gedeeld op Facebook en Instagram.

Met vriendelijke groeten,
Art Eindhoven

https://arteindhoven.nl/

Congratulations! Your work is accepted in the digital presentation during Art Eindhoven Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September 2021.
Your works with descriptions will be presented on 4 screens during the exposition, you will be mentioned in the catalogue and 1 work will be shown on the website. Your works will be presented on Facebook and Instagram after the exhibition.

https://arteindhoven.nl/digitale-presentaties-2021/

June 2021 Exhibition at the Amstelland Museum

Today, the exposition of some of my yellow-red and red Kamakura-Red works are shown in the Amstelland Museum in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel in the Netherlands.

Finally, the museum can open again and there is a groups exposition of Inge Wiedijk (Paintings and Photography), Jos Out sculptures and Swanica Ligtenberg ceramics.

https://www.historischamstelland.nl/ontdekken/museum-ouder-amstel

We’re open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm - 4pm: a small start of a big continuation!

SwanCeramics art works.

SwanCeramics art works.

Feeling Centered? works, Connection Vases and Wing Chalice.

Feeling Centered? works, Connection Vases and Wing Chalice.

Hokusai Wave Plate, River Bowl, Flower-of-Life Plate, Bamboo Plate and Sakura Box. All with the Kamakura-Red Glaze.

Hokusai Wave Plate, River Bowl, Flower-of-Life Plate, Bamboo Plate and Sakura Box. All with the Kamakura-Red Glaze.

Glazed Horsehair Pitchers.

Glazed Horsehair Pitchers.

Amphora, River Vase, Yellow Tripod, River Tripod.

Amphora, River Vase, Yellow Tripod, River Tripod.

"Spread your Wings" in ACGA online Garden Art show

My garden art installation “Spread Your Wings” is accepted in The Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California “ACGA” first online exhibition.

https://acga.net/garden-art-an-acga-online-exhibition/

Please, enjoy the exhibition!

Horsehair Raku “Spread Your Wings” installation.

Horsehair Raku “Spread Your Wings” installation.

Poem about my "Spread your Wings" by Peter Schotman

A new customer, Peter Schotman, who bought the big wing-set of the series of “Spread your Wings” , felt inspired by my works to write a poem about it (it is in Dutch) (He allowed me to put this poem and his name on my website). I feel very honored:

Op Vleugelen

van verlangen vlieg ik
-nog in veilige dekking-
een ongewisse toekomst
tegemoet

ben ik wel vorstbestendig
en coranoproof of
verspreid ik onnozele gans
de Chinese vogelpest

in dit arboretum van
eeuwenoude bomen
de moderne tijd haar
bespaard gebleven

geef mijn harde inborst
de kracht haar roots
te volgen met een boodschap
van verwachting en openheid

PETER SCHOTMAN

“Spread your Wings” in Von Gimborn Arboretum National Tree Museum in Doorn

“Spread your Wings” in Von Gimborn Arboretum National Tree Museum in Doorn




"KLEI in beweging"/"CLAY in motion"

Yesterday, the exhibition opened for the 40th anniversary for the Dutch clay magazine “KLEI”. The title is: “Clay in motion”.
I am one of the 40 accepted artists.

As of yesterday you can see my work at a cultural center HUIS 73, Hinthamerstraat 74, 5211MR in the city
‘s Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. The center is open from October 1 - October 25, 2020 from 9am to 9pm (on Saturdays and Sundays till 5pm).

You are all welcome and enjoy all the beautiful “MOVING” art!!!

%22In-Motion%22 Horsehair Raku Bowl_S.Ligtenberg_1 copy.jpg
*IMG_1759.jpeg
*IMG_1760.jpeg
Works from Julias van Dam and Els Janssens

Works from Julias van Dam and Els Janssens

Works from Loes Koth Penders and Orly Shemesh

Works from Loes Koth Penders and Orly Shemesh

1st Price: Wilma Hornsveld with 'teapot wink'; 2nd price: Hilde Butterman with 'Dordrecht'; 3rd price: Jeanne in Dorsthorst with 'Outdoor'.

1st Price: Wilma Hornsveld with 'teapot wink'; 2nd price: Hilde Butterman with 'Dordrecht'; 3rd price: Jeanne in Dorsthorst with 'Outdoor'.



Exposition at the Dutch National Tree Museum Gimborn with "Spread your Wings"

Tomorrow, the exposition will finally open after the postponement of several months due to the Corona virus. The Dutch Ceramics Group NVK and the National Tree Museum Gimborn organize together for the 4th time a ceramic exposition in this beautiful tree garden of the museum from September 5 to October 25, 2020.
47 NVK-members show 70 pieces of work with the theme “Ode to Nature”.

It is a beautiful park and rich vegetation and especially now a good chance to be outdoors, enjoy nature and beautiful art!!!

https://www.nvk-keramiek.nl/

https://www.bomenmuseum.nl/

There will be no opening reception.

I show my Horsehair Raku “Spread Your Wings” installation; The tallest/smallest wing is about 2 meters/ 6”8’ tall; the lowest/biggest wing is about 80 cm/2 feet tall.
https://www.swanceramics.com/#/installations/

Horsehair Raku “Spread your Wings”.

Horsehair Raku “Spread your Wings”.

2020 Ode aan de Natuur_flyer p2_klein.jpg

"Repair your soul"

“Kintsugi” is a Japanese method of repairing broken ceramics. During my many movings from Japan back to the USA, within the USA and the return to the Netherlands, some of my work broke. Some of them beyond repair but some I was able to mend.
With this Kintsugi method the damage of the broken objects will be aggrandized by filling the cracks with GOLD. It is believed that when something suffered damage and has a history, it becomes more beautiful. “All of us developed scars throughout our lives. These scars should not be hidden. Our imperfections can be the birth of something new”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LMKGte0UU

Some of my restored work:

“Caldera” 2 times Horsehair Raku fired; fumed with Ferric Chloride and Kintsugi repair.

“Caldera” 2 times Horsehair Raku fired; fumed with Ferric Chloride and Kintsugi repair.

Cut+paste Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Cup

Cut+paste Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Cup

“In-Motion” cut+paste Horsehair Kintsugi Vase

“In-Motion” cut+paste Horsehair Kintsugi Vase

“Mishima” cut+paste Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Cup

“Mishima” cut+paste Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Cup

“Golden Sun” Glazed Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Plate

“Golden Sun” Glazed Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Plate

“Swanflower” Horsehair Raku Kinstugi Vase

“Swanflower” Horsehair Raku Kinstugi Vase

White Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Bowl

White Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Bowl

“Volcano” 2 times Horsehair Raku fired Kintsugi Bowl

“Volcano” 2 times Horsehair Raku fired Kintsugi Bowl

White Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Bowl

White Horsehair Raku Kintsugi Bowl