Origin & composition
All sculptures are imaginary figures made of copper and brass, hard-soldered with a silver alloy. They are partly inspired by stories and imagery from fantasy and science fiction. The idea originated from an imaginary post-apocalyptic era in which old, everyday objects left behind in the ground have fused into conglomerates through the influence of the five elements: metal, water, fire, wood, and earth.
The sculptures are assembled from old utensils that, in our time, have partly lost their function due to more modern and practical versions, or have completely lost their relevance. Searching for all these objects and components was a time-consuming but fascinating journey. Once enough material had been gathered, the process of puzzling and fitting all these shapes together into a harmonious and original whole began.
Everything from pitchers, gears from old clocks, candlesticks, tools, to all kinds of machine parts proved useful.
It was a constant balancing act between aesthetics, stability, and strength. The figures or sculptures must first catch the viewer’s eye, and only then should it become apparent from which objects they are composed. The underlying message is to see and discover something new within existing forms. Some parts were custom-made from raw material.
It was a journey of learning to perceive the beauty that materials can possess. Every object deserves to be reconsidered and given a new purpose before it ends up on the scrap heap for good.
Biography
Jean-Luc Stockman (°1959) is a visual artist living in Ghent. Art was instilled in him from an early age, and he has spent his entire life working in the creative sector. He is a man at home in many worlds, always pursuing new ideas with passion. In his most recent project, he explores the beauty of materials and gives new purpose to old objects.
Experience
1975 – present Active musician
1978 – 1980 Secondary Art Institute Ghent – Visual Arts
1980 – 1983 Sculpture at KASK, under the guidance of Paul Van Gijzeghem and Paul Van Rafelghem
1980 – 1985 Restoration of a 16th-century house
1984 – 1987 Set design and logistics for the Festival of Flanders
1988 – 1989 Display designer at Laser City
1990 – 1994 Self-study: stained glass, ceramics, welding techniques, molding of ornaments
1994 Guest lecturer at KASK – stained glass techniques
2000 – 2010 Training in guitar and violin making at CMB in Puurs
2005 – present Builder of string instruments
Participation in Group Exhibitions
1989 De Derde Verzameling – Groot Vleeshuis, Ghent
1994 Bal Masqué – MP Center, Drongen
1995 Solo exhibition – Bal Infernal, Ghent
1996 Sculptors’ Collective – Ketelhuis, Ghent
1997 Leie Dorp Vol Beelden – Bachte-Maria-Leerne
1995 / 1997 / 1999 / 2002 / 2004 Creatievloot Gent – Ketelhuis, Ghent
1998 Triennial of Sculpture – Campo & Campo Gallery, Antwerp
2010 Event weekend with musical performance – SSKI, Ghent
2023 Zomersalon – Kunsthal, Ghent