Renzo Brandsma

Figurative Sculptor

Shaped by a life of fragmentation and transition,
I work with clay to strip away illusion and uncover what remains.

Featured
Studio Dramas
Studio Dramas

I don’t like drama, but drama likes me… a bit too much. I’ve encountered countless challenges throughout my artistic career, but this fiasco with the new studio space felt like the final straw. When I moved back to Cyprus, I had high hopes of finally settling into a dedicated studio—somewhere to ground myself after years of nomadic life.

Emrys | Bisque Porcelain
Emrys | Bisque Porcelain

I spend months experimenting with new techniques, navigating a process defined by trial and error—mostly error. It’s in my nature to push the boundaries of my materials, testing their limits until they reveal something unexpected. This approach is costly; many sculptures fail along the way. But occasionally, a piece emerges that feels complete, as though it has weathered and survived the transitions I’ve imposed.

Final Commission
Final Commission

I never thought that Sister & Brother would be my final commission as a painter, but I'm glad it ended on a high note. Growing up with three sisters in a close family gave me a deep understanding of the bond that siblings share. With this painting of a brother and sister, I aimed to capture that essence.

De Kleine K | Article
De Kleine K | Article

I was interviewed by a Dutch independent ceramics magazine 'De Kleine K', and was also invited to contribute to the KnowHow technical section by sharing my creative process.

  • Artist Statement

    After over 30 years of specializing in portrait oil painting, I transitioned to figurative sculpting in 2021, seeking to express deeper truths and break free from the constraints of two-dimensional art. Sculpting’s tactile nature unleashed new creativity, allowing me to craft unclothed figures in oil-based clay that transcend time and culture, revealing stories of pain, vulnerability, and connection. Informed by my multicultural upbringing, travels, and social work, my sculptures reflect the imperfect, transformative beauty of human experience, with cracks and warping from the firing process embodying individuality and resilience, offering hope and introspection in a chaotic world.

    Extended Statement

  • Bio

    Born in Uganda in 1975 and shaped by a life of global nomadism, I have spent my artistic journey exploring the essence of humanity beyond ego, belief systems, and societal facades. Growing up across Ethiopia, the United States, and the Netherlands, I faced profound cultural challenges that fueled my creative expression, from painting self-portraits as a teenager to creating murals during my travels. Over time, I transitioned from painting to sculpture, embracing its tactile nature to tell stories of vulnerability, resilience, and connection. My work reflects the beauty and complexity of the human experience, inviting you to uncover more in my full story.

    Extended Bio