Michele VandenHeuvel

Contact Number:
(505) 681-9611
Email:
benebronze@aol.com
Location:
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Linked Portfolio:
https://www.benebronze.com/
Member Biography:
My love of clay has been with me my entire life. Even as a small child, I always carried a piece of clay in my hand. Over the years the little lumps of clay became ducks, bears, figures of the saints... my imagination, combined with love and encouragement from my family kept my fingers working as my love of sculpture slowly grew. My studio is one of my favorite places on earth; it's not fancy, but a place that speaks to me of comfort... when I walk inside, it smells of warm clay, incense, and wax... I have treasured every second and am blessed beyond measure to be working in such a special place. My sculptural work centers around two different themes; my liturgical (spiritual) work, and my Public Art and “whimsical” work. My goal for both is to sculpt pieces that are joyful, touchable, interactive, and explorable, for both children and adults alike. Travel with me as we explore the interconnectedness of both the spiritual and the child-like. My sculptures range from tabletop to monumental. All the pieces you see here can be enlarged. I would be happy to speak with you regarding an idea for a specific sculpture. I invite you to have a cup of coffee or tea, sit back and relax as the clay warms and the work beckons.

Specializations:

Art & Craft

Linked Projects

More new projects, soon.
Michele VandenHeuvel

Member

Details

Work Philosophy

I am blessed beyond measure to have had loving and supportive parents who introduced me to Christ as a small child. Over the years my life-long love of clay, my love of Christ and stories from the Gospel have become intertwined…it is my hope and prayer that through my sculpture I am able to bring my love of Christ and the Gospel to life for others. It is extremely important to me that my sculpture be loving, touchable and interactive, for both children and adults alike. Doing so truly makes the sculpture come “alive” for the viewer, and helps to welcome both individuals and communities into the sacred space.

Services and Qualifications

I am a liturgical bronze sculptor; I sculpt for churches, individuals and sacred spaces.

I feel as though my MA in Art Therapy has given me special insights when working with art as a therapeutic tool with those who are hurt emotionally. I have can see the face of Christ in the mentally ill and marginalized, and I have seen the miracle of art and sculpture help to create many positive outcomes for those individuals. In addition, I am a public art sculptor and have been blessed with having my work placed in various areas throughout the United States. I have enjoyed immeasurably the many interactions I have had with architects, landscape and interior designers, committees, and communities (especially the children!) in planning sculptural and sacred spaces.

  • Masters of Art Therapy