Kirklander offers Paverpol workshops

BY FLAVIE HALAIS

When Wil Keltjens moved to Kirkland from Florida last year, she brought with her a way to turn any would-be artist into a skilled sculptor in a couple of hours.

Keltjens shares her time between working on her creations and giving five-hour workshops to people eager to develop their creative side, but who might not have the time or the patience to learn about all the subtleties of traditional sculpture.

In her home studio, she teaches her students how to use her favourite medium, a fabric-hardener called Paverpol that allows its users to create rock-hard sculptures out of simple clothes. It can also be used with any kind of natural material.

“I’m addicted to it myself,” she said of the product that she discovered in Holland, her native country, where it was created about 10 years ago.

Keltjens started giving workshops when her family moved to Florida in 1999, and is now trying to reach out to people on the Island of Montreal, her new home since last May.

“I loved working with her,” said Jocelyne Ladouceur, who followed a workshop with Keltjens that will enable her to become a Paverpol instructor. “She allows you to express yourself.”

Ladouceur believes in the commercial potential of Paverpol. A government worker, she has been painting during her spare time for years, but discovered sculpting with the product.

“If I had been told one year ago that I was going to do sculpting, I would have said never, it doesn’t interest me,” she explained.

Ladouceur likes the fact that it’s easy to use, yet can be modeled into complex shapes. She’s also attracted to its eco-friendly side — it can be used without gloves or a mask, and can be manipulated by children. And it’s also a good way to find a new life for old clothes.

“A lot of things that you have in the house can be recycled with this product,” Keltjens said.

She hopes to attract more people to her workshops in order to spread her passion.

Workshops cost $75 and can be booked through Wil Keltjens’ website, www.wkbdesign.com.