Leen Kessels

Stone gives Leen Kessels peace and challenge. She works directly in the stone, usually without a design. Stone already has tension in itself. She needs that resistance and stubbornness. Physical work is required to bring about something. Every intervention is irrevocable, you always have to make do with what you have. Nothing is as patient and honest as stone. Curious about where it will lead me, she only stops when she is happy with the result. Belgian bluestone is the great favorite: hard, reliable, lively and full of expressive possibilities.

Bio
-Between 1986 and 1997 Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, successively Sculpture (Free) and the Restoration Department “Stone and Image”.
-Restores sculptures from 1995 to 1999, including the Schepenhuis and the Archbishop’s Convent in Mechelen.
-Moved to Utrecht (Netherlands) in 2000 and has been working abstractly ever since.
-Sells monumental symposium work “Lightcatcher” in 2007.
-Receives various assignments from individuals and companies in the Netherlands and Belgium. Including Trainingscentrum Venwoude in Lage Vuursche and Truston BV in Houten, Enexis ‘s Hertogenbosch.
-Teacher in own studio in Utrecht, CKC in Zoetermeer and Greece (Miniation travels).
-Member of the Dutch Association of Sculptors (NKvB)
-Co-founder and member of the Utrecht Stone Sculptors (DUS).
-Lives and works in the new studio-residential complex “De Kersenboomgaard” in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht.