Lieke Dijkstra

Lieke Dijkstra is a self-taught songwriter, performer and makes autonomous work with ceramics, kites and film. Her work is characterised by an intuitive, process-oriented approach and is often visually supported by ceramic masks and kites, creating a symbiosis between music and image. “I often switch between disciplines; practising different crafts has led to unique combinations and insights in the broadest sense.”

In 2021, she started her first ceramic sculptures in the studio of ceramic artist Det Smeets, who guided her in developing her own visual language. A year later, she got the chance to follow a master-fellow programme, in which she could fully immerse herself in the ceramic craft and her ongoing research on image and sound. This year offered me her broad insight into the ceramic process, from hand-forming techniques and colour research to setting up and maintaining a ceramic studio.

In 2023, she opened her own studio: Atelier Oost, located at 98 Sajetplein, a building that has played an important role in Amsterdam’s art scene since 1985. This atelier, originally a neglected gymnasium, was squatted and refurbished by Maart Baanders and Det Smeets, who later contributed to the development of the municipal atelier policy (CAWA). Here, she focuses on the interplay between ceramic objects, kite sculptures and music and running courses and workshops.

Photographer: Lindsay Tammer