Beauty Begins at the Table | Artist Ozanne Princen
At the Table vol.1 | Ozanne Princen
A beautifully set table reflects the way a person lives.
In EFLʼs At the Table series, we explore peopleʼs lives and values through the stories behind their dining tables.
Our first guest is Ozanne Princen, a Belgian artist whose bronze sculptures capture the curves and movements of the human body.
We spoke with Ozanne about her childhood influences, the sense of beauty she shares with her husband, her love of living with art, and the pleasures of gathering around the table with family.
Family and a Shared Sense of Beauty
From childhood memories to a shared appreciation of beauty with her husband, family relationships have played an important role in shaping Ozanneʼs aesthetic sensibility.
“My mother always made sure there were fresh flowers in the house. A beautifully set table was simply part of our everyday life.”
While her motherʼs influence helped shape her early appreciation of beauty, Ozanne now shares a strong sense of aesthetics and common values with her husband.
“My husband has an exceptional aesthetic eye. We share a deep appreciation for beauty, atmosphere and attention to detail.”
Paris is a city they both love. With its creativity and spirit of freedom, it remains a source of inspiration for them as a couple.
Living with Art
“There is something deeply meaningful about a sculpture becoming part of everyday life, quietly accompanying family meals, conversations and moments of stillness.”
Ozanneʼs bronze sculptures capture the curves and movements of the human body. Bringing these works into the home allows art to be enjoyed not only in dedicated exhibition spaces, but also as part of everyday life.
Bronze takes on different qualities depending on the light and the angle from which it is viewed. Leaving space around a sculpture allows its form to be appreciated from different perspectives, while natural light creates shifting shadows that reveal new details throughout the day.
Ozanne uses the traditional lost-wax casting technique to create her sculptures. Every stage, from casting to the final finish and patina ̶ the treatment that gives the bronze its color and surface character ̶ requires precision and careful attention to detail.
She also produces her works in limited editions, allowing each form to reach a small number of people while preserving a sense of intimacy between the sculpture and its owner.
Her hope is that these pieces will be chosen thoughtfully and lived with for many years, gradually becoming familiar presences whose meaning deepens over time.
So, how can sculpture be incorporated into the home?
In a dining room, placement is particularly important. A sculpture should not obstruct eye contact or conversation across the table. Displaying a piece on a sideboard or console table allows it to be appreciated without taking up valuable dining space. If placed directly on the table, its height and proportions should be carefully considered.
Combining different materials offers another way to create visual interest. The rich luster of bronze, the natural veining of marble and the softness of table linens can complement one another, allowing each texture to stand out.
There is no need to limit a space to a single-color palette. By thoughtfully combining materials and colors, it is possible to find an arrangement that complements both the artwork and its surroundings.
Simple Mediterranean Meals at the Family Table
What kind of dishes are typically served at Ozanneʼs family table?
“We value good-quality ingredients, simple cooking and the pleasure of sharing a meal together.”
Dinner often features Mediterranean-style dishes, such as grilled fish or meat accompanied by plenty of vegetables and fresh salads. Olive oil is another essential ingredient.
Alongside preparing dishes that allow the natural flavours of the ingredients to come through, Ozanne also enjoys setting a beautiful table.
At home, she decorates the table with flowers picked from the garden, chooses colorful napkins and sometimes lights candles. These thoughtful touches are not reserved for special occasions but are also part of everyday meals.
Choosing ingredients, setting the table and sharing a meal with family ̶ Ozanneʼs words and daily habits reflect the pleasure she finds in each of these simple rituals.
Valuing the Present Moment Over Perfect Balance
Balancing her creative work as an artist with her roles as a wife and mother, how does Ozanne approach the relationship between her artistic practice and family life?
“For me, family is the constant centre. How I divide my time around it changes from day to day.”
Some days are devoted to her artistic practice, while others are focused on family. Rather than striving for a perfect balance, she adapts her priorities to the needs of each day.
Ozanne also finds joy in seeing her children grow up alongside her creative work. By witnessing the patience, discipline and attention to detail involved in creating a sculpture, they gain an understanding of the artistic process that goes beyond the finished piece.
Information
Ozanne Princen
Ozanne Princen is a Belgian artist whose creative practice is rooted in her background in classical ballet. Her work explores movement, memory and the human form, primarily through bronze sculpture. She examines the interplay between movement and stillness, strength and softness, and the relationship between the body and architecture.
Her notable collections include Silhouettes Éternelles, COUNTERPOISE 01 and ÉPURE. Her sculptures are created using the traditional lost-wax casting technique.
Official Website: https://ozanne.be/
Instagram: @ozanne__
