A chat with CHRISTINA COENE: the joy of creation

A chat with CHRISTINA COENE: the joy of creation

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, few people embody that freedom and versatility quite like Christina Coene. She’s a mother, ceramic artist, photographer, entrepreneur and—above all—someone who truly lives the creative life. From the very first moment we connected, I was struck by her ability to effortlessly weave together multiple creative projects.

Her work, much like her spirit, is beautifully diverse. It beautifully encapsulates her soft, sensitive nature and deep devotion to her craft. Christina immortalizes the ephemeral through enchanting photography on ceramic tiles, creates ceramic medallions that evoke a sense of joy or ritualistic magic ('lucky charms'), and even develops skincare products for dry (artists') hands. She does it all with a sense of devotion that’s rare and truly embodies the idea that limitations on creativity are often just boundaries within our own minds.

On becoming
an artist

What inspired you to become an artist/creator?

“As a child, I was always creating. It started with clay, paper, drawing, crafting with natural materials... When I was five, I first encountered ceramics. I had seen a documentary about potters working on potter’s wheels, which wasn't very well-known or mainstream at the time. That moment left a significant impression on me. Later, in elementary school, a classmate gave a presentation about a visit to a potter in the Ardennes. Immediately, I felt the urge to get that person's address to explore my interest further, although I wasn't able to at the time.”

“At about 11 or 12 years old, I pestered my mother endlessly because I wanted to learn everything about ceramics. There was no internet then, so she called around using the phone book. Eventually, we found Anima Roos, where I went every Saturday to learn to work with clay on a wheel. I was completely obsessed, to the point where my parents bought me a potter’s wheel and a small kiln. My father even helped think through the glazes and finishes. From there, it was a quick step to attending the art high school, Sint-Lucas. Although there was no specific ceramics course, I could still work with clay somewhat through the plastic arts track. There, the focus was more on sculpting, portraits, and working with plaster and wood, which was very different from the feeling I got from ceramics. It didn’t quite match. I mostly continued ceramics at home on my own and eventually studied ceramics in higher education. That’s where I learned step by step: firing, glazing, the creative process... and that’s how it all started.”

"Once you realize the power of your tongue, you won’t say just anything. When you realize the power of your thoughts, you won’t entertain just anything. And once you realize the power of your presence, you won’t be just anywhere." — Alex Elle

Awareness

How does that inspiration manifest in your work?

“Nature is an inexhaustible source for me. When I walk, I am in awe of how light falls... I see through a photographer's eye. I also delight in the look and movement of clouds or how sunlight plays on tree branches, the interplay between light and shadow, shapes, and textures. I am irresistibly drawn to these and often capture these moments with my phone or camera. People and everyday life also inspire me; everything that moves and lives around me. I can easily be fascinated by the smallest things.”

Can you explain the significance of your artistic work?

“My work comes from thoughts about what I want to leave behind if I'm not here tomorrow. A desire to find myself, to capture something uniquely my own. This ultimately leads to the question, 'Who am I?', 'Where is my authenticity?' How do I see the world differently from others? We all see something different, and there's beauty in that (and sometimes loneliness, but it’s authentic). I find this enriching, this “seeing,” and sharing it with others.”

“In recent years, I've developed an expression that aligns with these thoughts. At some point, I started picking flowers that spoke to me and preserving them in 'strong water’. I observed how they change; they become transparent, change in texture, and move beautifully, almost dancing. The fascinating part of fermenting flowers is their transformation. You witness a ripening process, and eventually, they are momentarily preserved before they 'die,' 'fade away,' and 'disappear' entirely. It's a beautiful metaphor for life. I documented this process in my Anaerobic series by photographing it and later embedding these images in ceramic tiles. Essentially, you're immortalizing something that is fading; a deeply intriguing process.”

Some people come and go quietly, doing their thing, while others leave something tangible that heirs can find valuable or meaningful. This fascinates me even more since the birth of my son, Anton. The idea of passing things on or making the invisible visible for others keeps me thinking. Sometimes I fantasize that my ceramics might end up buried in the ground and be excavated many decades or millennia later. Objects that withstand time and tell stories of a bygone era have always fascinated me. I think I'm now creating my own quest in that. One day, there might be a shard left behind with an elusive meaning—or maybe not. Time will tell.” (laughs)

Are there other projects you’re working on that you can share with us?

“This year, I started selling unrefined shea butter. The desire to do this came from a place of care. It's also about preservation and, unconsciously, aligns with what I am doing. I see this as a project through which I can care for others. A few years ago, I faced health issues and was forced to optimize my functioning. That’s when I encountered a holistic approach to health. While I was sick, I lost a lot of hair and suffered from dry, cracked hands. I noticed that using certain creams only made things worse or didn't help at all. This made me question why. After delving into natural products, supplements, and essential oils, I discovered shea butter. When I started using it, I found it to be a magical balm and wondered why it wasn’t a daily product for everyone. It was the best skincare product I had ever found. I was pleasantly surprised that something so simple could improve your life—truly a lucky charm. That's why I chose the name ‘lucky charms’ to market the shea butter. Thanks to the help of my employer, I became even more entrepreneurial.” (laughs)

“Meanwhile, I've also started making ceramic amulets. It struck me how a small object can convey something, make you pause, and reflect on something you value. It serves as a silent reminder of what’s important at any moment of the day. You wear it like a piece of jewelry, and that's the interesting part; it works as a subtle prompt for yourself. It can be any symbol, and everyone can identify with one of these objects. Many of us lead such busy lives that we hardly take time for moments of reflection or connection with our hearts... We desperately need these moments.”

How do you see yourself and your work evolving in the future? Are there specific goals you want to achieve?

“I believe in an organic process, with patience and self-discipline. I trust that by working on your goals day by day in small steps, something will eventually become visible and revealed. I continue to work steadily, embracing my desires. It seems like a method that allows for plenty of breathing space and still leaves room for surprises or changes. It always turns out differently than you first thought. I think you constrain yourself too much if you try to determine in advance what you want to create. When I am relaxed and imagining, I experience the most possibilities and growth. Growing—that’s what I want. The creative process... it’s incredibly fascinating. (laughs)”

“When I’m working on a new exhibit or project, I start by sketching, like planting a seed. I don't know in advance what the plant will look like. You intuitively and vaguely sense where it’s heading. The 'deadline' of the exhibition gives me a goal to take the necessary steps. I usually start softly, and as the end approaches, I give my all, and everything comes out in form. I need an endpoint; the closer I get to it, the more creative, productive, and concrete I become. The puzzle pieces fall into place, things become clear, usually at the end. It’s quite thrilling sometimes; it gives an amazing feeling!”

Do you consider yourself a creative generalist or a multi-passionate creator?

"My grandmother always said that having many interests would benefit me one day. Although I used to see it as a drawback because I couldn't focus on one thing, I've now come to see it as a strength. Engaging in diverse activities sharpens everything and creates a tension around time. For example, I recently discovered a desire to learn piano. While you might think this would distract me, it actually leads to more 'cross-pollination'. The more you learn, the broader your perspective becomes. Now, everything seems to merge and support each other. I've started making more deliberate choices about where to invest my time and energy."

What moves you in the work of others or in daily life?

"Whenever I attend a concert, film, or exhibition, I often leave feeling energized. I'm thrilled when someone successfully conveys their creative spark. There's such power in that transmission, in feeling the same creative fire burning within you. As Nick Cave beautifully expressed in his film '20,000 Days on Earth (2014)':”

“All of our days are numbered; we cannot afford to be idle. To act on a bad idea is better than to not act at all because the worth of the idea never becomes apparent until you do it. Sometimes this idea can be the smallest thing in the world, a little flame that you hunch over and cup with your hand and pray will not be extinguished by all the storm that howls about it. If you can hold on to that flame, great things can be constructed around it that are massive and powerful and world-changing – all held up by the tiniest of ideas.” — Nick Cave

Are there specific works or projects where you’ve shown your most vulnerable self? How did the audience react?

"Every piece of work you share is inherently vulnerable. The more resistance you feel to sharing it, the more it likely contains something rare or unique to you. A strong piece always has a mysterious quality, as a professor once told me. I don't aim to provoke or shock. It's fascinating how others see things differently than you do, how something new can come to life from their perspective. It’s wonderful to trigger something in someone's vision or to be shown something I hadn't seen before. That's what you often do, Femke! (laughs). I'm always grateful for others' interpretations."

How do you believe embracing your own uniqueness and showing vulnerability can help others in their personal growth?

"I’ve come to realize that no one is truly 'normal' (laughs). Everyone is different, and I don't feel uniquely 'other'. We naturally attract and seek out like-minded individuals, either consciously or subconsciously."

“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” — Joe Ancis
“What you seek is seeking you.” — Rumi

"Having gone through various life experiences, I often feel sensitive and vulnerable. But over the years, I've also found great strength in this. Being a mother has deepened my reflections, often confronting me. It's a lifelong journey of understanding, reflecting, letting go, healing, growing, falling, and getting back up."

"Thank you, Femke, for the beautiful photos of my back. It's a part of me that usually stays covered. I have a special relationship with my back; it's like the 'Dark Side of the Moon’. At twelve, I learned my back was different and would grow differently. What I initially saw as a curse, I now view every day as a tremendous strength and a drive toward positivity. The journey I've taken has given me a profound sense of self, an intrinsic understanding that offers pure time gain because it can't be learned from others. I wouldn't be who I am today without my back's story."

What advice would you give to others who may hesitate to embrace their own uniqueness and vulnerability?

"Simply put, and in a very powerful way: 'Just do something!' Often, starting from a place of hesitation leads to an unforgettable journey with yourself and others. We’re born to move, not to overthink or brood. Through experiences, we get to know ourselves and others better; we need each other for that! Being there for each other can take many forms. The smallest gestures often hold the most beauty, warmth, strength, and eloquence without needing words. Embrace yourself, and the rest will follow."

Christina’s instagram
www.luckycharms.be

Future projects