More than a fine art artist
When I can let my creativity run wild in my thinking and doing, it feels incredibly good. The idea that I can make something unique and be completely absorbed in the flow of creating is a special experience. The satisfaction it gives, the joy it brings, the pleasure of keeping yourself busy – I wish that RIGHT/SPACE for everyone!
Artistic background
I grew up with creativity as a common thread, thanks to my parents’ artist supply store, where I was given SPACE/RUIMTE to try out all sorts of things. After my studies as a fine art artist at the teacher training college for Drawing in Leeuwarden, I worked internationally: I gave artistic workshops and did set design and construction. Back in the Netherlands I further developed my artistry, published creative books and worked as a museum teacher. In 2022 I founded RUIMTELUKT with the aim of creating more SPACE/RUIMTE for my artistry.
Creative process
I am inspired by coincidences, stories and unexpected connections between people, places and history. These convergences play a major role in my creative process and give direction to my work.
During my artist in residence in Curaçao in September 2024, all these elements came together in a special way. My knowledge about the 17th-century WIC, came alive in the architecture. The building materials used such as IJssel bricks form a direct link to my current life on the river IJssel in Zutphen. I also discovered unexpected connections between Curaçao and The Hague, where I lived for 18 years.
These coincidences never feel random to me. They give me the feeling that I am in the right place and that I am working on a theme that has meaning in that moment.
With RUIMTELUKT, I create mental, financial and physical space to create, and inspire others to do the same. Experimenting, daring to make mistakes and wondering yourself are central to both my art and my guidance.
