The Toronto Files - Part I

Can't believe how time flies here in Toronto. I am enjoying taking it easy, spending time with my sister and watching our kids having fun together. My sister lives in an area called The Beach, which is right on Lake Ontario. It is a lovely area and the kids spend a lot of time playing outside. Of course we do the tourist routine as well. Last Sunday we visited Niagara Falls and I have to admit it was spectacular to get so close to such "violent" energy. More from Toronto tomorrow and that is a promise!

New Press - Emirates

Before I flew with my kids to Toronto yesterday there was a suprise in my mailbox. Some wonderful publicity in interior design glossy Emirates Home. Since recent I have a representative in Dubai, Fleur Stoffels, and she made it happen. So a big thank you to Fleur and to Emirates Home for featuring my In Bloom Green and In Bloom Orange pillows!

In respectful memory of Marija

  

In respectful memory of lovely Marija of Holding Court who pursued her life with passion.

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Something arrived from Australia...

 My first Australian Artwork on the left (framed in white)

Yesterday at the Studio there was a package waiting for me from Australia. It was send by my dear blogger sister Kerry of A Tranquil Townhouse as I was the lucky one for her give-away.  It was wrapped tastefully with purple and orange ribbons and had a card with some personal words that touched my heart.
On the front of the card is a quote from Anatole France (A French Nobel Prize winning writer 1844-1924): " TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS, WE MUST DREAM AS WELL AS ACT."
The content of the package "Cloudburst" a glass artwork made by Kerry's dear husband Richard has found an honourful spot in my house. For me Cloudburst will forever be symbolic for Anatole France's quote. Thank you Kerry and Richard I will continue to act!

Cured from Orange Fever

 before the World Cup finale Holland - Spain

the day after.....

Annechovie

Oh boy what a disappoinment yesterday evening. The Dutch lost in the World Cup Final from Spain 0-1. I watched the game with friends in a local bar avoiding the crowds at the Museum square. You can imagine that all spirits were terribly down after the loss. I had one advice up my sleeve "Keep Calm and Carry On" the text of the poster produced by the British Government during World War II to raise the morale of the British. This brings me to actually say a big thank you to colleague artist Anne Harwell of Annechovie who interviewed me for her blog Annechovie. Talented Anne creates beautiful decorative pieces beaming with color. Anne and I are definitely (and proudly) from the same school of "non avant-gardists". So THANK YOU Anne for having me on your blog and for those of you who do not know Anne yet do visit her inspiring blog and fabulous Etsy Store including "Keep Calm and Carry On" screenprints! Wishing you all a great week MX.

The week progressing....(with plenty of excitement)

 Chrisanthemum & Pink Ikat, oil on canvas 40x40cm (Miami)

 Allium Flowers I, oil on canvas 40x50cm (Miami)

Flamingo Flowers & Pink Ikat, oil on canvas, 40x50cm (Miami)

 Anna Liesemeyer

Yesterday DHL picked up the first shipment of paintings for the events at Design within Reach in Miami. I am excited but also a bit nervous. It feels like my children are venturing out into the big wide world. There will be around 15 paintings on show. If you are interested in any of the paintings or if you would like to attend the opening at DWR Coral Gables (31st July) or DWR West Palm Beach (28th August) do contact my lovely agent Eva Roepers of Interdecorations.

The other exciting thing that happened was that Anna Liesemeyer of "In Honor of Design" posted a lovely feauture on my work. Anna is a graphic and accessory designer and loves to share her design inspiration but also promotes the work of kindred spirits.
A big thank you Anna for being a warm and supporting person and for those of you who do'nt know Anna I highly recommend her blog!

Happy birthday my darling sisters!

 Cocktails & Canals - illustration Mariska Meijers

The Meijers sisters part I - Mariska, Tineke, Marieke

The Meijers sisters part II - Mariska, Tineke, Marieke

My sisters Tineke and Marieke are having their birthday today! Unfortunately we can not celebrate together but Skype is ideal for these situations. We have always been very close despite the fact that we are all globetrotters. For a few years we were each living on a different continent. Tineke currently lives in Toronto and Marieke and I live a 25 minute drive from each other. As you can imagine I am so looking forward to get on the plane to Toronto next week with my kids. Spending some girly and family time with my sister. Expect a full report on my blog!

Wishing True - Guest Blogger

French Interior (by Philippe Model) on my guest post 

I have been guestblogging over at lovely Kate's Wishing True. So go have a look at her  inspiring "pretty things blog" (that is how Kate describes her own blog). Kate believes that all good things come in three as she is also writing on two more blogs The Big Piece of Cake & Style Key West.
Have a wonderful vacation Kate and thank you for inviting me!

A brand new week

Yes I relaxed this weekend and was able to sit down for more than 5 minutes at a time! Okay I have to admit I did do some work yesterday. This week it is going to be full on. Preparing shipments for my upcoming exhibitions in Miami, ordering new fabrics, scheduling time at the atelier, getting some vintage furniture upholstered, buying presents for my sister and her boys in Toronto, celebrating my son's last week at his primary school, starting to pack for my 3 week trip to Canada and the US, making arrangements with the dear people that will be holding the fort in my absence. So today just a quick water colour sketch and wishing you all an energetic week!

Orange Waves

 with girlfriends Patricia, Elizabeth & Ingrid

friend & skipper Ronald in appropriate T

 famous 5 star hotel Het Amstel

people partying at Cafe Hesp

our "Gugenheim" a parking garage!

 Hermitage museum

the Gstar Raw Ferry

Well what can I say. I am not a great soccer fan, but what a heated quarter final it was yesterday between Brazil and Holland..... and we won!
To cool down and celebrate we went on a little boating tour in the canals of Amsterdam. I forgot to bring my camera but took some pictures with my phone. Off to the beach now with my kids. Happy weekend!

Amsterdam calling Australia!

impression of my studio-showroom

A Tranquil Townhouse

Ada & Darcy

Before I am off to my studio I would like to share something with you that gave me a warm feeling this morning.
My dear Australian blogger friend Kerry Martin of A Tranquil Townhouse announced a big change in her carreer path...and she mentioned me as one of the people that inspired her to take the leap! I am proud of you Kerry and thank you for giving me such an honourable mention.
Browsing a bit further in bloglandia I found another suprise. Lovely Kelly Collis of Ada & Darcy features my work on her blog today. Kelly has also taken the plunge into the deep waters of the unknown! I am convinced Kelly that you are a fabulous swimmer. Thank you Kelly for featuring my work!

So attention everyone keep an eye on Kerry and Kelly as they are each soon to launch their online stores!

Different Shades of Trade

For my designs I often depend on the craftmanship of others. Yes I am able to create an idea, a concept, a two dimensional picture but to transform it into the end product is a whole other ball game. For various reasons I prefer to source as close to home as possible. Over the last couple of days I have been exploring the wonderful world of lamp shades. Once you dive into it you find an ocean of possibilities but I have been able two filter it down. On my absolute shortlist is De Gezusters Stoop in Amsterdam. Just a 15 minutes bycicle ride from my house is the wonderful lampshade atelier of Carin Stoop. First impression when you walk in is that you step into another era, but having a closer look you see all her quircky combinations of antique lampbases with contemporary fabric lamp shades. She handcrafts all her designs and finds creative solutions for every lampbase. I love finding little jewels like Carin especially when it is almost in my backyard! All pictures taken by me.

From my bookshelves: The Chinese Pavilion

Over the years I have gathered many inspiring books, books that are a part of me. Today I have picked my out of print copy of The Chinese Pavilion by Ake Setterwall, Stig Fogelmarck and Bo Gyllensvard (1972). It is the most delicious book especially for those of you who love chinoiserie. While living in Stockholm about 7 years ago I instantly fell in love with the Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm (one of the Royal Palaces in the vicinity of Stockholm).  The pavilion was a birthday present (1753) to Queen Lovisa Ulrica from her husband King Adolf Frederik.
It is a only small palace but so beautifully conserved and I was simply capitivated by its beauty. I went back on many occassions, convincing friends and family visiting from abroad it was a must see. Not everyone agreed with me but to date it remains one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. Leaving Stockholm I just knew I would miss the pavilion and I was happy to find a used copy in a small bookshop. Browsing the book again this morning made me feel happy and inspired. I just made some snapshots of the book for you to see and if you would like to put the book on your wishlist there were 2 used copies available through amazon this morning!