“Disobedient, idiosyncratic, imaginative.”
"We design, we prototype, we make."
a family business
Atelier Arena is a family business. It is run by Ann-Sophie Ververken and Renaat Steurbaut, two autodidact ceramic artists. Making ceramic artwork since 2016, the transition from one-of-a-kind pieces to dinnerware collections and bespoke assignments for chefs saw its completion in 2023.
in-house
Arena Ceramics works are comprised out of our own curated and in house formulated clay and glaze selections. Every piece, no matter the quantity, is designed and made by us.
tailor-made
You can put our creativity to work if you don't immediately find what you are looking for among the existing references. We use the techniques we master to create a design that fits within your vision, your kitchen, your restaurant.
"We have a passion for cooking, food and lifestyle, innovative designs and authenticity."
we are Ann-Sophie and Renaat
I bet you want to know a little more about who we are. So here is our story, in short.
We are a two ceramic artists: my husband Renaat and myself, Ann-Sophie. Every piece is designed by us. That means the shapes, as well as the glazes. We are selftought potters who have a passion for Oriental ceramics, but we stand out in several styles.
#jointhestonewarerevolution
this is stoneware
All our pieces are made in high-fire stoneware clay. We fire them at 1280°C and they are finished with glazes that are suitable and typical for this type of clay and firing method. We fire in a reduction atmosphere; this results in a transformation of elementary raw materials in the clay and glaze that fuse both together. The result is stronger and more durable than comparable pieces in earthenware and porcelain. When high-fire stoneware tableware is placed in the plate warmer, it retains heat much longer than other ceramics.
We use several different clay bodies going from pale to black. We love how the earthly hues make you feel related to nature. We work with textures, patterns, leaves, brushstrokes, and hand-painted illustrations to give the piece that extra dimension. We create elegant functional shapes in a basic satin matte color, or we go completely wild in creating a plate that refers to the capriciousness of nature.
