About the artist
Ellen Vercouteren (b. 1959) lives and works between Leca da Palmeira, Portugal and Heinkenszand, Netherlands. She graduated from Lerarenopleiding in 1985 with BDes (Ceramics) and has attended numerous workshops in Portugal and the Netherlands. Ellen is a passionate ceramic artist with a successful full-time practice working from her ateliers in both countries.
“My ceramic practice covers a variety of issues that are of interest to me, from a current social commentary on topical issues to an exploration of ceramics for our senses. Clay, for me, provides endless possibilities to explore how we exist, react and live in our world today. I have found that my work often results in a dialogue on issues that are universal.”
The making process
Working between Portugal and the Netherlands gives my practice a unique duality. The Portuguese clay, the light, the ocean: these elements infuse every piece. I work primarily by hand, letting the clay guide the form. Each piece begins as a conversation between intention and material, and the kiln transforms that conversation into something entirely new.
The studio
