Theme
Freedom and the lack of it are recurring themes in Stan Linssen’s work. In a somewhat absurdist, humorous way he presents us with situations where these opposing forces are at odds. We are inherently linked to the location and the circumstances of our upbringing, regardless of our desire for freedom. Nowadays travellers are aware of what they are going to see and prefer to bring along all the familiar conveniences of home. Modern media enable us to explore the world without leaving our homes, yet our desire to travel is stronger than ever before. Why?
Stan works with clay slabs to construct his sculptures and finishes them with engobes and glazes, to create an impression of longevity and life experience. In addition to these sculptures, Stan makes engobe-decorated ceramics. Sculptures, handcrafted vases, tiles and wall plaques A contemporary reference to the ceramic tradition of the Maas and Lower Rhine region.
Biography
Stan Linssen (1958) was born and raised in Tegelen, at a time when the brick and tile factories were still located in the heart of the village. In the morning, I was awakened by the sound of the clay trains coming down the slope of the Heide loaded with sand and clay for the manufacturing of roof tiles.” Working with clay is his métier (profession), but it wasn’t until years later, during his studies, that this vocation became obvious.
Following his secondary school education, he attends the Primary Teacher Training College, where he earns a master’s degree in Craftsmanship. Subsequently, he enrols in the TeHa in Sittard, a comprehensive teacher training course where he becomes acquainted with/that introduces him to/ both applied and independent design. He is taught by Frans Lagro, among others, and graduates in 1987as an teacher and autonomous artist. Two years later, ceramist Stan Linssen has his first exhibition.
Meanwhile, his activities extend beyond ceramics. Between 1993 and 2000 he was closely involved in the development of Keramiekcentrum De Tiendschuur in Tegelen. At first as a teacher and later as a curator.
From 2002 to September 2020, he held a position/was employed at the Limburgs Museum in Venlo. Initially as an assistant curator and eventually as an exhibition designer. “My knowledge of both applied an autonomous art proved useful in my daily interactions with designers and artists.”
Alongside these responsibilities, he continues to pursue his passion as a ceramic artist. After 18 years and numerous exhibitions, he decided to fully recommit himself to art, and to ceramics in particular.
Overview
1976 – 1980 Teacher training primary school Venlo
1982 – 1987 Teacher training secundary school for drawing and crafts (TeHa) Sittard1987 – 1993 Teacher of crafts at various secondary schools in North Limburg
1993 – 2000 Teacher ceramics at the Art-Ceramic Center in Tegelen
1994 – 2000 Curator of the Tiendschuur Ceramics Center in Tegelen
2002 – 2020 Assistant curator and subsequently [exhibition] designer at the Limburgs Museum Venlo