Welcome

Why still lifes My interest for still lifes was born during my childhood years. In my parents’ house I was surrounded by a wealth of objects. I was drawn by the way objects in rooms were caught in the light coming in from the windows; to me it was a magical world. I spend a lot of time in our large attic where I saw dust softly fall down around me in the sunlight. It gave a wonderful atmosphere. I continue to be fascinated by the way lightfall and dust make beautiful hues of colour come to life. When I became older and acquainted witht the art of painting I was astounded to see that there were masters who reflected these personal experiences in their paintings. This inspired me to take up the art of painting and try to relate the experiences I had on canvas. This need to express my feeling of wonder has unchanged till the present day. Whenever I hear people complain:"Always still lifes...", I get a taste of the huge contrast with my own experience of still lifes which is inexhaustible. The good thing about still life is that I can manipulate the composition and the lightfall. I do not endevour to create a photographic image, that would fall short of my intention. My son once said,"The painting is more beautiful than its subject." I regularly see painters work photographically which appears sterile and lifeless to me. I keep my brushstrokes visible which adds to the vivacity of a piece of work. In my work I seek balance by adding or removing objects to achieve the right equilibrium and find my own expression. An other aspect is that I enjoy the enclosure and privacy of my own studio where I can create my own atmosphere. These are some of the painters from whom I get my inspiration: The 17th century painters: Kalf, van Beyeren, Claesz, de Heem, Flegel, Weenix, Coorte, and many more. Others are: Vollon, Chardin, and more recently: Ket, Hynckes, van Tongeren, Morandi.