K-TOTEM design by Louise De Meester
Deze zomer kleurt de K-totem in Kortrijk helemaal in de speelse en levendige stijl van illustratrice Louise De Meester. Met warme roodroze en groentinten brengt ze een zomerse wereld tot leven, vol fantasiedieren, verborgen details en knipogen naar de stad. Haar werk nodigt voorbijgangers uit om stil te staan, te kijken en telkens iets nieuws te ontdekken.
Tell us a little more about your design
Since my design will be shown at the K-totem during the summer holidays, I wanted to create a summery and eye-catching look. I chose warm red-pink and green tones, with some playful accents here and there. At the top of one of the panels I drew the Broel towers and the water flowing between them. That water runs like a thread throughout the totem, bringing to life all kinds of summer scenes: from fishing and swimming to paddling or enjoying a glass of wine by the water.
My familiar fantasy animals that often pop up in my work are also here. I like to build my illustrations as a kind of “search print”, so that passers-by keep looking and discover something new each time. Among the many details, there are also subtle references to the city of Kortrijk. Little winks for those who pay attention. My work is quite busy, but that also nicely reflects my inner world.
What are some trends in the wider creative world that inspire you?
Crafts: I am strongly attracted to everything to do with handicrafts. The whole learning process around it, the slowness, the craftsmanship... I also notice that more and more people are getting interested in crafts again, which I think is a great evolution!
Theatre: I love watching theatre, not only because of the acting, but also how movements, costumes and scenery together form a visual whole. I find the way people in beautiful costumes come alive in space very inspiring.
Escapism: I love enormously the way artists create their own world. An almost magical place where they can thrive and find happiness. It is always a special feeling, for example, to step into someone's studio and be allowed to briefly dive into their universe full of imagination.
What are some trends in the broad creative world that inspire you?
I try to avoid trends as much as possible because they come and go. I am following the rise of generative AI with some distance. While I know it can greatly facilitate workflow, it does not yet feel familiar to me to work with it.
Which illustrators or creatives do you look up to?
Als kind werd ik verliefd op illustratie dankzij Beatrix Potter, Fiep Westendorp, Carll Cneut, Thé Tjong-Khing en Quentin Blake. Hun werelden zogen me mee, en dat gevoel draag ik nog steeds met me mee. Tijdens mijn studies inspireerden Jesús Cisneros en Bill Traylor me om te spelen met figuren, kleur en papercutting – een techniek die vaak in mijn werk opduikt. Vandaag bewonder ik de rijke details van Brecht Evens, de intuïtieve stijl van Charlotte Ager, Mouni Feddag en Cristobal Schmal, en de fantasiewerelden van Tim Burton. Ook andere kunstvormen voeden mijn werk, zoals de dromerige kleuren van Odilon Redon en de poëtische fotografie van Harry Gruyaert. De lijst blijft groeien: er is zoveel moois om naar op te kijken.
What do you think is the most beautiful spot in Kortrijk?
What I like most about Kortrijk is the alternation between old and new. It feels like two worlds come together, and it happens in a very natural and harmonious way. The new Abby in Kortijk is a great example of this. It is a place where history and contemporary architecture complement each other. It is difficult to pinpoint one favourite spot, but I love walking through the Beguinage and the surrounding gardens. Those tranquil corners give peace. I also like to visit Buda Island. There is always a creative, inspiring and open atmosphere there.
Stan Dewaele
Stan is the link between the industry and the designers. Under his coordination, the innovation processes with companies and designers take shape. As coordinator of the open makerspace BUDA::lab, he keeps his finger on the pulse of the makerspace world.
