A Year in Archiving: Discovering Babs Haenen's inspiring artistic journey

Reflecting on my first year working on the ArchivorumArk project, it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The opportunity to dive into the world of Babs Haenen’s ceramic art, blending my passion for archaeology and creativity, has been both inspiring and rewarding. I have truly enjoyed exploring her artistic journey, collecting archival materials, and contributing to a project that celebrates her legacy. The journey has been an amazing mix of learning, collaboration and discovery, and I look forward to continuing this adventure in the coming year. Find below a review of the main themes of my blog from this year in anticipation of the exciting discoveries in 2025:

Babs Haenen's photo of 'Catching Light' and 'The Garden River' taken at her current studio, Buyspad 21, Amsterdam

1. Introduction to Babs Haenen and her art

In these introductory posts, I share where it all began—my journey to explore Babs Haenen’s ceramics through the ArchivorumArk project and my first work visit to Amsterdam. By combining my love for archaeology with art, I share my first impressions and how I aim to uncover and share her creative story, helping others understand and appreciate her amazing work.

·      April 3 - Rediscovering the Ceramic Art of Babs Haenen: A Journey Through 44 Years of Artistic Brilliance

·      April 10 - Rendez-vous with Babs Haenen’s creative thought and work

·      April 24 - A Journey of Art and Dialogue: Exploring Babs Haenen’s World

Babs Haenen, Scholar's Rock 'Shan Shui', 30 x 33 x 44 cm, 2012, private collection, London, UK - Basin (China)

2. The History of Porcelain & Cultural Influences

In this collection of blog posts, I explored the origins and evolution of porcelain, with a focus on its cultural exchanges and influence across Europe and Asia. It is here where I wanted to highlight key historical moments like the Dutch East India Company's porcelain trade, the creation of Delftware, and Babs Haenen’s deep connection to traditional porcelain craftsmanship from China and Japan.

·      May 8 - An introduction to Scholar’s Rocks as an inspiration of Babs Haenen’s Porcelain Mountains

·      May 29 - The porcelain route to Europe

·      June 6 - The history and evolution of the Dutch porcelain 

·      June 25 - Jingdezhen, The “Porcelain Capital”

Babs Haenen's artworks in collector van Achterbergh's house

3. Collecting Art and Collector’s mindset 

This theme explores the deep personal connection that collectors form with art, emphasizing that collecting is more than ownership  — it is about creating meaning and enriching one’s life. It focuses on the emotional and intellectual journey of discovering, appreciating and connecting with art. Collecting becomes a dialogue with the artist’s vision and reflects the collector’s evolving tastes, values and passions.

·      May 16 - The importance of The Depot and the Archives as the secret keepers of the past

·      May 23 - The Art….of collecting Art

·      July 17 - Interview with an Art Collector, no. 1

·       September 4 - An encounter with... a Women artists-focused Gallery in New York

·      September 25 - A tribute to the art collector van Achterbergh, a precious friend of Babs Haenen

·       November 27: Archiving stories 

Babs Haenen in her first studio at 3e Kostferlorenkade, Amsterdam

4. Babs Haenen’s Artistic Evolution & Creative Process 

This collection of blog posts focuses on Babs Haenen's dynamic creative process. It highlights her artistic growth, from early works to complex sculptures, emphasizing her continuous experimentation. It also explores the influence of other artists, her collaborations, and her innovative approach to transforming porcelain into emotionally expressive art.

·      June 14 - Babs Haenen’s Alma Mater

·      June 27 - The Flowing Porcelain

·      July 3 - The story of an artistic house

·      July 10 - The making of a Turbulent Vessel: From a flat surface into a sculptural artwork

·      July 24 - The diachronic role play of masks

·      July 31 - Mountainous centerpieces

·      August 14 - Structured Labyrinths

·      October 16 - An artistic bond between Europe and Japan

·      November 6 - From calmness to turbulence

Thank you for following along on this journey of discovery throughout 2024. I am excited to continue sharing more insights with you as we welcome 2025. I wish a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, a happy holiday season to the rest and, of course, happy reading to all!

See you next year!