Thomas Van Noten is an internationally acclaimed artist from Belgium. He previously worked in construction, where he led large-scale projects before pursuing his passion. In 2024, Thomas opened his own atelier, TOGIGI. He continues to carry a deep interest in ingenuity, striving to push the boundaries of craftsmanship through innovation. The atelier serves as a space for experimentation, where unique techniques are developed to convey the stories behind each object. While nature serves as a wellspring of inspiration, his artistic vision transcends its mere replication. His architectural background manifests in his approach as he weaves elements of structure, texture, and light into his  ceramic pieces. It is through this fusion of natural and architectural sensibilities that his art assumes a distinct character – a dialogue between seemingly contrasting elements. Through his sculptural forms he invites viewers to embark on a sensory journey where they can explore the intricate relationship between human, nature, and architecture.

1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

Belgium. I grew up in a small, idyllic town called Lier, just outside of Antwerp. I now live in Antwerp.

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

Dries Van Noten. As a child, I remember my first-grade teacher asking if I was related. From that day on, I became fascinated by his work and persona. Living in the same city and sharing the same surname, people often asked me if we were related. I’m not.

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field ?

No. I first built a career in construction and real estate development. I’ve always had a strong interest in the engineering side of creation. I often led the construction of medium- and large-scale projects. The skill set I developed there helped me tremendously in starting my own atelier Togigi. However, it also has a downside, as I entered a world I wasn’t familiar with quite ‘late’. I spent a long time working in silence, polishing my skills. I often wonder if I should have shared pieces sooner. But I suppose you only know yourself when the time is right—and for me, that was this year (2024).

4. What led you to the design creation ?

I first encountered design-making during my short period in architecture school before transitioning to construction. At the age of 28, I moved to Mexico and traveled through Latin America. I lived quite “off the grid” for a long time. Breaking away from what you think is “normal” was absolutely necessary to (re)discover my passion for creation. The creative spirit in Mexico strongly influenced this decision. I began my journey by collaborating with a carpenter there. I chose to design a functional object that required ingenious woodworking techniques. I focused on designing before I started making it myself.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

Often, it’s nature that attracts me. I’m fascinated by how versatile it is and what we can draw from it. I love to create stories. If somehow trough my work I could engage in any social impact I would be happy.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

No day is typical. I like having this freedom, even though the work often requires routine. I always start my day quite early (6-7 o’clock), a habit inherited from my time in construction. If any administrative tasks are needed, I plan them in the morning. I go to the atelier around noon and work there until the evening. If I don’t schedule atelier time, I need a 15-30 minute siesta. Sports, along with reading and drawing, are reserved for the evening.

7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

Mainly natural products or materials that help me reflect a natural process or just create an absolute contradiction.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

I have an experimental approach, and I wish to push the boundaries of craftsmanship by integrating innovation. I guess it comes from my background in engineering, but I have a deep passion for employing innovative techniques to create objects. These methods exist only because of our relentless pursuit of progress, so why not using it. The experimental side of the atelier stems from my deep interest in new things. I love gathering material from my surroundings and experimenting with them.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

Find your unique way of creating. It lies within you, but go beyond to test and trigger it.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

Something contemporary. 

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

I mainly get my influences from other sources than design.

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

The list is long, filled with the incredible work others produce. Along the way, I meet so many talented artists. I admire them a lot, and I’m always happy to see their work pop up somewhere. I enjoy having a personal connection with fellow artists, no matter their field. I particularly admire those who make a social contribution to art.

13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

Martin Margiela, Noguchi, Yohji Yamamoto…

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

Storytelling

15. Is there anything you would like to add?

Embrace failure

Proust Questionnaire with very short answers (one or a few words) :
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust. Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde, Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)