My name is Maxime , born and raised in De Haan (Belgium) and I am a sculptor.
The creation of wooden sculptures was the result of many years of passion for wood. With this warm and vibrant material I create unique sculptures and murals that fit into people’s interiors.
Each piece of wood has a unique character and being able to work this into my vision creates enormous satisfaction. Once we remove material from a piece of wood, there is no way back. So every step of operation is crucial.
Creations
The artisan sculptures are mainly contemporary, modern pieces. On the one hand I create bespoke pieces adapted to the space for which they are intended, on the other hand I create new pieces for the collection.
Each sculpture starts from my drawing book, the basis for each creation. My inspiration can be fed by the simplest objects. Also the type of wood is decisive, be it ash, walnut or oak.
Testing the finish beforehand is crucial and determines the end result. Nothing is more beautiful to work from a rough piece of wood to a unique piece.
Using chainsaws, grating and sharp gouges. Each operation is crucial.
Names I do not give to my creations; I'm not a writer but a sculptor.
Education
Wood smells so good, has character, its own lines of life. Enough reasons to make a passion my profession or was it the other way around?
I graduated in Bruges as a carpenter with a specialization in furniture restoration. The traditional techniques of marquetry, woodturning and carving strengthened my desire to further perfect my work at the St. Luc Institute in Tournai. I studied there for 4 years art cabinet maker including 2 years classical sculpture.
An education fundamental for my creations!
Internship mentor
I owe an elementary part of my knowledge and skills as a sculptor but also as an artist to my mentor “Thierry Martenon”.
A French sculptor from the Chartreuse who inspired me to create from my own vision.
I learned that technique is only a means, but that only inspiration leads to art and that Less is usually more.
Experimenting & collaborations
Glass is also a rewarding material to combine with wood. Collaborating with interior architects and designers to create unique pieces is always a positive experience.
Other materials such as ice and snow also lend themselves to sculpture, but there is no school for this. Experimenting is then a logical next step and looking for colder places is the only option.
Travelling and sharing passion
Nothing is more beautiful than being able to share a passion with peers. Being able to do this abroad makes it all the more interesting.
Whether it’s ice sculpture in the French Alps (Valloir) or snow sculpture in Edmonton (Canada), being able to share a passion with international specialists not only feeds my hunger for perfection but also my ambition to take on new challenges.
Live demonstrations
Christmas markets and private events during the winter months are ideal occasions to create ice sculptures as well as connect with the public. Giving a show continues to amaze people. Ice is a unique, fragile material that once processed, decays with a caress of the sun. An atmospheric and ephemeral creation that remains engraved in the memory of every spectator.
