Interview
Ellen Hermans
Ellen Hermans is a sculptor who brings a profound sense of purity and philosophy into her alabaster creations. Raised in an artistically minded family in Belgium, Ellen was surrounded by creativity from a young age. Her early studies in Latin and Greek introduced her to classical thought, particularly the ideas of Plato - whose belief that perfection exists only in the realm of ideas continues to shape her artistic vision. Drawn to the natural beauty and quiet strength of alabaster, Ellen began sculpting in 2014. The clean white powder of the stone evokes for her the untouched snow of the mountains - so pure, it seems to glow. Each piece she creates is hand-carved and completely unique, characterised by fluid lines, graceful curves, and soft openings that give the stone an organic, almost living form. Her sculptures are not just meant to be seen, but to be touched, felt, and loved - an invitation to experience beauty through both sight and sensation.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was raised in Belgium with parents that had high interest in modern art. My mother has been a professional artist (3D paper work) and my father started to become an art photographer after his professional life. I went to an art academy ar young age next to my normal school and I loved archeology and stones when I was a a child. But as I went to university there was no time for expressing myself with art so it was only at the age of 33 I started to search for my own way of creating. I tried painting first but after following some sculpture courses I decided to fully focus on sculpturing.”
What inspires you?
“Inspiration can come from all kinds of shapes. I constantly view the world through a lens of forms and lines. For example, when I’m staying at a hotel and notice a lamp with a certain curve, it can spark new ideas. Or nature like a crab or a flower. A curve must be both beautiful and intriguing. I also discover incredible artists on Instagram, who are an endless source of inspiration. But in the end, it is always the stone itself that leads the way. It dictates how the shapes naturally evolve into a whole - something you can never fully plan in advance.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“During my Latin-Greek studies with the nuns in Belgium, philosophy played a major role. Plato’s teachings, in particular, have stayed with me. His Theory of Ideas says that everything we know on earth is merely a reflection of true, perfect forms - the Ideas. A perfect curve does not exist in our world, yet we can become one with nature and accept all its differences and shapes. My sculptures must feel right, almost perfect. That’s why I create them to be touched, almost caressed. They are meant to bring the feeling of peace, comfort and joy - pure, white, blank, and full of soft, organic curves.”
How would you describe your work?
“All my art pieces are unique, featuring round movements (Xcellent Curves), openings, and lines that spark the imagination. They are abstract and organic, symbolizing the imperfect nature of the natural world. They are made of Toscanian Seleniet-Alabaster and sometimes polished and sometimes raw as the stone itself. All pieces are unique and handmade with no electric machinery or tooling.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are not many similar alabaster artists that inspire me. Most of my inspiration comes from Marble sculptors, but also Ceramic and even Wood sculptors. To name: Jan van der Laan (Marble, Bronze), Metin Alper Kurt (Marble), Abdus Salaam (Marble), Arnoldo Pomodoro (Bronze), but also Luke Fuller (Ceramic) and Mike Sasaki (Wood).”
“My sculptures must feel right; that’s why I create them to be touched, almost caressed. They are meant to bring comfort and joy - pure, white, blank, and full of soft, organic curves.”
What is your creative process like?
“When I work with alabaster, it feels like breathing life into something ancient and pure. My creative process is a journey - a rhythm of talent, patience, and passion - deeply connected to the stone itself. It always begins with a spark, a vision that I sketch by hand, guided by a feeling or story I want to express. Then comes the moment of selecting the right alabaster block. That’s a ritual in itself. I look for the right shape, natural patterns, translucence, and color nuances that will shape the final piece. Once the stone is chosen, I begin to carve - layer by layer - letting the form slowly reveal itself from within. It’s a deeply intuitive process, almost like a conversation between me and the material. As the sculpture takes shape, I pay close attention to from all sides how the curves become as smooth as possible. I have my own technique by carving and rasping at the same time and use many different rifflers (some more coarse and some extra fine and curved). It’s like a flow, where the holes reveal the curves and become part of the sculpture’s expression. My pieces are never just shapes - they tell stories through curves, delicate openings, and forms that invite touch. I want people to feel something when they see and hold them. In those final touches, I bring the work together, adding emotion, refining texture, and honoring the imperfections that make each piece unique. And when a piece is finished, I share it with the world - through exhibitions, galleries, or online. For me, each sculpture is a moment of connection, an invitation to experience natural beauty through form, light and emotion.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Today’s artists are increasingly adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. They are not only creators but also curators of their own brand and business by using social media and online galleries. This shift has led many artists to create work that strikes a balance between personal expression and commercial appeal, offering limited editions, smaller works, or prints to reach a broader market. I also think that social and environmental themes shape their work, giving it deeper relevance. And by sharing their creative process openly, they build stronger, more human connections with their audience.”
Website: www.xcellentcurves.com
Instagram: @xcellent_curves
Other links: www.linkedin.com/in/elhermans
