Vision

My goal is to express the beauty of our world in my work, both by creating and by sharing the ideas and backgrounds of my creations in my lectures. Space plays a central role in this. As a painter, I am aware that I create an illusory space; I often explore the boundary with physical space to merge the illusion in the artwork and reality into one whole. The ultimate is when the viewer actively participates in the work.

It is my intention to add value, enrich the spatial experience, and bring joy. For me, an image goes beyond aesthetics: it must surprise, fascinate, and open new perspectives.

Imagination

My main tools are my computer and camera, which I use – just like artists from the past – to explore the boundaries of reality through experimentation. I am inspired by Renaissance artists, who depicted the world as we see it using perspective, and by early 20th-century abstract artists, such as Mondrian, who expressed their inner perception of that same world. Additionally, the American philosopher Ken Wilber stimulated me to approach the concept of space in a more integral way.

The interplay between reality and illusion fascinates me: how can image and reality communicate with each other or even become one? Can this interaction create a friendlier and more inspiring experience for people? How can we thus have a positive impact on both the individual and the environment? These are questions that I continue to explore with clients and partners, with the goal of conveying hope and inspiration.

My story

At eighteen, I left school and, together with my then-partner, took over a bankrupt publishing house. Through hard work, we grew it into a successful company with three free local newspapers, focused on positive news in the less affluent neighborhoods of The Hague. After years of growth and success, I gradually realized that I lacked a long-term perspective to continue to find my life path meaningful and to develop further.

After fourteen years, I took a decisive step: I went on sabbatical to Florence and decided to leave the publishing house behind. This choice marked the beginning of a completely new phase in my life.

In my quest for personal growth, movement, and development, I decided to return to studying. In 2004, I was admitted to the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague (KABK), an experience I considered a gift. In 2009, I graduated with my 3D work Caleidoscopia.

This marked the beginning of my new life as a visual artist. To my great delight, interest in my work grew, also internationally, including in Italy – a country with which I feel deeply connected. In 2015, I was surprised with an invitation to participate in an international exhibition during the Venice Biennale. In the years that followed, I largely resided in Venice, where I built a new life, met new people, and discovered a new language and culture that enriched my life.

The independent thinker from the Netherlands had always been within me, but in Italy, the artist of life was born.

Today, I combine the experiences from both worlds in my work and life.

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