I paint and draw in my studio and run a line of postcards that I self-publish. These feature my paintings and drawings, mostly of plants and animals. In addition, I organize

Courses

I attended the AKI (Academy of Visual Arts and Design) in Enschede and, after the foundation year, transferred to Academie Minerva in Groningen. The specialization was interdisciplinary.

Inspiration

Nature is my greatest source of inspiration; I find the forms of plants and animals beautiful. Because we are all connected, I try to convey human emotions through landscapes and animals. It is not about making a statement for me; the most beautiful thing is when a work can travel along with the complexity that life also is. That there is a kind of objectivity in the work through which you can wander with your thoughts. Paintings should be like a kind of ally.

Oeuvre

• Personal Work: Paintings, drawings, installations, mostly of wool.

• Applied Arts: Designing greeting cards.

• Illustrations: I illustrate occasionally, see CV.

Cultural and Educational Activities

In addition to my studio work, I organize open days, workshops, etc., often with others.

Art Projects & Markets

I go to art markets a few times a year. This way, many people see my work at once; sometimes I sell a painting, always greeting cards, and occasionally I get a commission. I also enjoy seeing how people react to my stall full of paintings and drawings.

Cultural Administration

It is wonderful to develop and sustain initiatives. I am a board member of COB10 at Cultuurpand Het Paleis in Groningen and have been co-organizing the Open Days in September for a few years now.

Professional practice

I love the combination of the authenticity that creating visual art entails with the occasional functionality of an illustrator. Additionally, the connecting aspect of working on projects and sometimes teaching is a good complement.