The Belgian ceramicist Griet Vanhoutte did what many of us secretly dream of doing: she bid farewell to an office job (she used to commute to Brussels) and emigrated to the south of France with her family. More specifically, to Dieulefit, a small picturesque town in the Drome Provençale, known for centuries for its ceramics. Today, she is living her dream: to win over many hearts with her own ceramics brand, BACA.
Traditional techniques for modern design
BACA is synonymous with contemporary, handmade and functional tableware. With its slightly irregular lines, speckles and soft colours, the brand combines the best of both worlds: Scandinavian style and Mediterranean ambience.
Griet uses traditional techniques to create contemporary design. She works with clay, hand mixed glazes and spring water from the nearby fountain. And the other ingredients? Litres of love and tons of commitment. The result is gentle and poetic, the collection is one of simple beauty. And good to know: all her designs are food-safe and dishwasher-friendly.
Where to see the ceramics in real life
Less than a year after their move, Griet and her husband, the photographer Kurt Stockman, opened a shop/gallery in Dieulefit, where you can buy both BACA ceramics and Kurt’s photos.
A part of the collection is on sale at ‘Blommm’ and ‘Huis Mortier’ in Ghent (Be) and at ‘Flowers by Yasmine’ in New York. Restaurants can also place larger orders.
One question remains: who is BACA?
“BACA is the Latin word for ‘pearl’ and my first name has the same meaning, but since it is not easy to pronounce in other languages, I chose BACA”, explains Griet. Her products make perfect gifts. Moreover, artisan design is in vogue. If your sister, mother or partner has a weakness for distinctive tableware, think BACA!
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