BELG(E)
PHOTOGRAPHY - DOCUMENTARY
As a Belgian myself, I always wondered what our small country represents in the grand scheme of things.
I found myself struggling to explain what the Belgian culture entails, and why we are different from our neighboring countries.
I decided to interview people who identify strongly with being Belgian, and who are proud to be part of this piece of land nestled in Western Europe.
My aim is to write a book with the collected stories and photographs that many other Belgians will treasure and keep in their homes and on their coffee tables as a reminder of who we are and what makes our country special.
The Textile
Artist
Gilles' talent was evident from a young age. Some even called him the next Edouard Vermeulen (Maison Nathan). From fashion, to wall art, and everything in between, Gilles is not afraid to redefine materials whether that is in their use, or context.
The Spice
Queen
Sandrine is the queen of spices in Brussels. Not only is she directly involved with the harvest through local producers in Central Africa, the quality of her spices is unmatched to what we currently know of here in Belgium.
The Scientist Chocolatier
Tom is probably the biggest testimony of what I am trying to understand as to what determines where we feel we belong. Born from an American / British family, Tom considers himself Belgian, and turns his passion for chocolate into his craft.
The Serial Entrepreneur
Eloi is curious, he's sensitive to the arts, and he's a futurist.
He's probably on the other end of the spectrum compared to Tom when it comes to his Belgian nationality, but that too is worth exploring.
The Passionate Historian
Jean-Daniel has a strong interest in history and craftsmanship, and feels very strongly about the Belgian heritage. He has a way of creating an emotional connection with between the past and the present in a way I have seen few people do.
The
Watchmaker
"We might not be the greatest country in the world. But, we’re full of small great things."
Loved when Jon shared this with me during our conversation.
Jon is many things, but to put it very simply: he love to create things.
