Franky Delaere

FRANKY DELAERE

In collaboration with De Beelderij Torhout

Franky Delaere works at De Beelderij. He sculpts sheep for the shop and makes figures just for the joy of creating. In 2023, he made a large ceramic sculpture for Wit.h vzw: a giant with Down syndrome. Franky joined De Beelderij in 2001. Factory line work had worn him down: “Because of that tedious work, I never knew I was good at making sculptures. My talent was tucked away.” His first sculpture was a large elephant named Stan. It sold right away. But he prefers making human figures, the bigger, the better. He’s now working on a new sculpture, the giant’s little sister. Recently, he also discovered theatre. The star artist has found his alter ego in the star actor. At home, in his studio, he enjoys caring for his birds.

My talent was tucked away, 2025