Objects produced at Studio Pieter Stockmans are the result of a combination of traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary, experimental approach. The family business values quality, craftsmanship, love and expertise – passed down from generation to generation. Since 1987, the studio has focused on small, unique collections, all of which are handmade in the studio in Genk. As a designer, Stockmans creates exceptional design objects that are nationally and internationally renowned – the quality of the porcelain is among the highest in the world.
For his 80th birthday, Pieter Stockmans opened an exhibition in the former metal warehouse of the Winterslag colliery – now the C-mine cultural center in Genk. His birthday also coincided with the ten-year collaboration between Stockmans and the site of the old colliery – where his studio is located. To mark the occasion, an extraordinary book was printed in an edition of 300 copies – including a special edition with a porcelain support.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Genk in Belgium, close to Maastricht in the Netherlands and Aachen in Germany. It is a city with a great coal mining history. My studio is in an old metal warehouse of the Winterslag coal mine.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
Our Province of Belgian Limburg is the green province of the Flanders region. It is known as a cycling province with countless recreational opportunities and accommodation options from camping to hotels and resorts.
© B. Touillon
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
Tourism has taken a big step forward with numerous accommodations and cycling and walking opportunities. There are also cultural developments. Due to the closure of large foreign branches, the city of Genk has made large efforts for new opportunities.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
Our region has many fruit growers. There is also a great jenever and beer tradition and a considerable number of top restaurants in Limburg. Crafts are also being upgraded and can be found in the open-air museum of Bokrijk.
© Visit Limburg
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
The renovation of the 7 closed coal mines and the repurposing of all these industrial sites is very unique in Belgium.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
Our province Limburg has 15 Michelin-star restaurants and more than 100 references in Gault&Millau. It is a very gastronomic region with many specialties.
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
The local products in the farm shops are highly recommended, such as cheeses, dairy products and ice cream. The fruit and derived products such as fruit juices, regional wines, marmalade and syrup from Borgloon are also great. The shop Rosendal.BrØt in the Vennestraat 189 in Genk has extraordinary bread.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– La Liste
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I like to read the newspaper De Standaard and as a weekly magazine Knack.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
It is good to live in Flanders, our region. We enjoy all the good and delicious things from Northern and Southern Europe. We are located on the border of the Germanic and Romance language areas, hence the bilingualism in Belgium. It is a difficult balance and that is why I do not want to be mayor, not even for one day.
© Visit Limburg
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?
Nowhere else in Europe – Canada in the world.
© Courtesy of the artist
