Open Studios: A Personal Evolution
Author:Lindsey ShookKatrien Van Der Schueren finds her own voice
“Not only did I have a picture-framing studio, but most of my time was spent on custom fabrication
for others, and while I enjoyed working with all the materials, I felt an irresistible urge to focus on my own art practice and voice,” says Katrien Van Der Schueren of her former L.A-based fabrication studio, Voila. At that point, everything changed for her.
With her kids getting older and a bit more time on her hands, Van Der Schueren realized something was missing. And after experiencing a personal shift, her true identity started to reveal itself. “It’s hard to explain to people who haven’t had that experience,” she recalls. “I felt I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing anymore, so I said no to any fabrication project that required my help and focused all my energy on my own work. It was more than wanting, really: it was like an urge, and something I couldn’t stop.”
During that transitional period, she completed her first mural for a private client in L.A., who eventually became both a patron and a believer in her mission, pushing her relentless pursuit. “One year in, I made a collection of mainly sculpted lighting and sculptures and organized an open studio to show my current work,” Van Der Schueren says. “I believe around 600 people attended and most didn’t know they were my creations. From there, the perception and understanding began to change.”
Now her work is sought-after for its biomorphic and handmade characteristics, made often on a large scale that fold naturally into the architecture. “Sculpted murals are a big part of my work and they bring a lot of soul to an environment,” she sats. The surrounding nature also plays a key role in her direction. “The ocean is an endless source of inspiration for me, and much of my lighting is inspired by it,” she notes. “Creating here is quite wonderful.” And that wonder and exuberance is evident in each piece.
