Past and present
I was born in 1973 and grew up in the countryside of Friesland (Northern province of the Netherlands). Nowadays I enjoy living in the small village of Hoevelaken.
Paintings
I regularly visit my parents in Friesland, which brings back good memories of my childhood. They taught me the love and respect for animals and old materials. I think my paintings are a result of fond memories from these times also.
Study
In the early 90’s I started the study of ‘Presentation’ (window-dressing, decoration and stand design) at the creative art school ‘Cibap’ in the city of Zwolle, where I received my diploma. After that I spent the next 1 1/2 year following a course on ‘Painting and Illustration’ at the ‘School of Arts Minerva’ in the city of Groningen.
When I completed my study I came to live in the city of Amersfoort, where I earned my living in the catering industry. During this time I also painted (wall) decorations on commission for individuals and businesses. After a few years of painting for others, I began to develop my own style more strongly and set it on canvas.
Wood
A short time later, I found parts of a fence, I collected the old wooden boards and admired the beautiful patterns. I began to paint on these with acrylic, and discovered that using old wood as the background for my paintings was a much better source of inspiration. Wood is versatile and different, it offers continually new possibilities.
The difference between canvas and wood is that with wood, the background is a fundamental ingredient of the painting. To create optimum harmony, I try to bring the roughness and details, like nail holes, knots and old paint, together with the figuratively painted animals. The wood I use can even influence my style. Every piece of wood demands an individual approach as it contributes to the whole image.
Animals
After discovering old wood as the background, I found the choice of subject wasn’t that difficult. Using my intuition, I arrange the animals to fit the grains of the wood. Working together these elements form the perfect scenery of my rural paintings.
Often I let the choice of animal depend on what kind of wood I have in hand. In my work I give the animals, mostly unintentionally, some human qualities. For example, sometimes it seems they look curious and other times a little bit shy.
Gallery
In 2006 I came in contact with Wiebke v.d. Scheer, owner of the modern figurative art gallery ‘Artacasa’ in Amsterdam. Since this time my work is permanently exhibited in her gallery. Take a look at www.artacasa.nl
Chalet Palet
Near the cozy village of Voorthuizen, the Veluwe forests and heath areas is our fine, somewhat private location and artistically furnished ‘CHALET PALET’ .
The location is ideal for peace seekers, walking and cycling enthusiasts (with or without dogs), but also for artists who want to find inspiration in nature and / or want to work quietly. Enjoy your holiday or weekend away in a personal atmosphere ! Take a look at Chalet Palet