Galerie Ephemere

Deep in the Belgian countryside, nestled in the province of Wallonia, is a jewel of a farm stay, aptly named, galerie ephemere.

This artistic haven is the inspirational brain child of Claude Thoirain. Muse, artistic director, and owner of one of Belgium's finest naturalistic art galleries. Together with her husband, the sculptor and artist, Daniel Fauville, they have gracefully constructed both an artistic haven and gallery in the midst of the Belgian countryside.

I was fortunate enough to have simply wandered unbeknownst down the right road, allowing my gps and my instinctive nose to lead me to this Antecedence. In fact, rather a remarkable sequence of events led me on the path towards this charming and magical artistic abode.

Having spent some time in the Chapel of Lobbes Cathedral, another spot that is highly recommended, I fought through blustery weather, and the hills that lead out of Lobbes and onward towards Thuin. Not much took my eye in Thuin township and so it was I found myself, mid-afternoon, wandering through the Wallonian countryside preparing for rain in thunderous skies.

It was then, wearing the scallop shell pendant of St Jacques around my neck, that I happened upon a rather rustic sign, declaring the existence of a Galerie Ephemere just ahead, on the rather rustic country road. I thought it quaint and a little peculiar given my location in the midst of the countryside, and thought perhaps it was a small barn with a few nicknacks in a shed.

Imagine my surprise when, somewhat disheveled and windblown, I wandered down a short rough driveway towards the entrance of a bright and ebullient art gallery.

Daniel greeted me at the door and noted, with an artists eye, I was wearing the distinctive scallop shell that denotes those who are on the pilgrims trail to Santiago de Compostella.

He immediately called for Claude to come see this wayfairing stray at their door. Only that morning they had decided to purchase Cockle Saint Jacques from the local market for dinner, something they rarely allowed themselves, given the out of season expence, but they had been on sale and so had decided to splash out on a luxury meal of scallops for the evening.

For an artist of course, meaning is everything, and the synchronistic meaningful connectives, that Jung so ardently championed, were too pronounced to ignore.

I was welcomed in with fits of laughter and merriment, and made to feel at home even before I had taken off my back pack. The conversation flowed freely and there was an immediate rapport between the three of us. Claude acting as a go-between, given my linguistic limitations in French, and Daniels equally, albeit rather braver attempts at English.

It was over the course of the next few days, I would come to hear tales of artisanship, gallery openings, world premieres and various national and international exhibitions, that Claude had run, and in which Daniel had been invited to exhibit.

A remarkable couple, having been married for some 40 years, they have given birth to an egnormous body of work, collaborated with some of the great European artists, and exhibited many new and exciting young talents. Truly they have lived the artistic life, and their children are the works they have born and the artists they have exhibited and inspired.

Quite apart from the remarkable rapport and immense hospitality shown me, Claude, who had inherited the land from her farming parents, had fervently designed and manufactured a retreat for the artistically inclined. It had been her vision to mold the land into a haven of art and nature, allowing fellow artists to seek refuge and comfort, if not great inspiration, in a setting that quiescently settled in the heart, mind and soul, of all those that sought such a place. Was it then mere happenstance that I came upon this tranquil haven, or was there something else guiding our hands, and my feet, on that early spring day in April?

Along with the gallery, which is greatly sought after as an exhibition venue by many of Belgiums finest artists, and to which Claude has had the luxury of being both well booked and discerning, there is an ultra-modern appartment built as an annex onto the art complex for any artist, couple, or indeed small family, or group, that might wish to take solace in such an environment. Surrounded as it is by milking farms, and stands of arboreal splendour. It is a magical environment, and I cannot recommend the visit or farm-stay highly enough.

The local Wallonian townships are easily accessable by foot, bicycle, or car, if you so choose, and the ultra-modern accomodations boast enough room for a small group of up to 3 or 4 persons easily, hot water, excellent shower and ablutions, and modern, brand new conveniances, such as flat screen tv, stereo if so required, and a kitchen facility with electric hob and oven and built in fridge/freezer, make for a fully self contained sanctuary. The quaint  spiral stair case is well lit, as is the entire complex, tastefully so, and offers easy and conveniant access, separate from the rest of the facility should solitude and silence be desired.

There are regular gatherings in the gallery, and although the gallery sports a permanent exhibition, being in demand as an exhibition space, it is private enough for any couple or individual should they wish to take their own space.

Perhaps my greatest takeaway from my all too brief stay with Claude and Daniel, has been the immence kindness, generosity, and sincerity of spirit that flows so naturally from them both as individuals and collaboratively as a couple. They are warm and loving people with expansive artistic souls, and for this wayward traveller they offered comfort and rest after some arduous days in the throes of the southern Wallonian hills.

If you get the chance, take a chance and come and see them, or better yet, stay a little while and feel your spirit swing back into balance once more, free from the hubbub of the bright city din.

And as ever, recognize your coincidences...

;)

Claude Thoirain and Daniel Fauville

ANTECEDENCE/ GALERIE EPHEMERE
Ferme du Pont de Bois
5 Rue Diale Colas
6530 - THUIN
Belgium

email: galerie.ephemere@skynet.be
ph: 00 32 (0) 71510060

(Gallery exhibition: Thierry Pertuisot )