Video studio Gerrit Scheurs, photo by Eddy Wenting
You can look over the artist's shoulder—online or from a distance of 1.5 meters—and observe the creation of Jan Verschoor's new works. What are the creative processes behind his (bronze) sculptures? How does he perfect his plaster molds? Museum JAN offers the public a unique insight into the artist's creative process and the resulting works of art.
The artist at work
Verschoor is fascinated by different materials: he constantly experiments with the properties and possibilities of bronze, copper, and marble, but also with iron wire, wood, aluminum, and plastic. In this way, the artist continually reinvents himself. His free work focuses on complete abstraction. A perfect finish is always central; his sculptures are smoothly polished, flowing in form, and can be viewed from all angles.
Jan Verschoor
Jan Verschoor (1943) graduated from the Gooische Academie in Laren and the Nationale Academie in Amsterdam. Sculptors Piet Esser and Cor Hund were among the teachers who taught him figurative and realistic sculpture there. He then acquired his technical skills in the studios of various artists. He learned the techniques for making bronze sculptures from Mari Andriessen and Charlotte van Pallandt. Gradually, he began working with polyester, a relatively new material that he used mainly for commissions for television and theater productions.
John and John
His first meeting with Jan van der Togt in 1977 had a huge impact on Jan Verschoor: he devoted the rest of his life to Van der Togt's collection and to establishing the Jan van der Togt Museum—now Museum JAN—where he served as director for 25 years. Verschoor is still an integral part of the museum: his living room is literally part of it, and his studio is located in the old school next door, which will be renovated from January to March 2022. Fortunately, he is still regularly involved in the presentation of exhibitions from his 'museum living room': he is an expert in exhibiting in a perfectly aesthetic way.
This 'installation' of his work (in progress) is also a balanced whole and an absolute feast for the eyes.