Moodswings

 moody detail of my appartment

Just a quick one today. Since my move to the new studio cum showroom, my appartment feels a bit empty. I have been moving around furniture, trying to get a bit organized in my newly gained "territory". I am missing my artistic clutter and have to find the right balance again. It will come I know. My interior is ever evolving and with big changes it ususually takes a while before I am perfectly satisfied again with the new arrangements. In stead of decluttering I will reclutter. That is in the end what makes me happy. Off to my studio now to paint!

.... and don't forget to enter the give away over at The Decorista!

NEW STUDIO - DAY 8

Yesterday I had time again to play in my studio. I spend a few hours working on a new series for which I have decided to paint over work that I am not pleased with. Nothing better than recycling. I have also been rearranging furniture and creating little dispays as I am having a photoshoot tomorrow in preparation for the Dutch "Maison et Objet" de "Woonbeurs" in September. Deadline for press kit is 1st of June (...."keep calm and carry on")! In the picture a new painting I am working on inspired by Gerberas and vintage vases.

At the end of the day I went with friend Josephine to an inspiring art opening of Contemporary Aboriginal Art at Leslie Smith Gallery. I love the purity and apparent simplicity of this artform. The dedication and patience of the artists is absolutely amazing. In the picture we are standing in front of a beautiful piece by Nancy Ross Nungurrayi I.M. Thank you David (son of Leslie) for showing this work in Amsterdam!

NEW STUDIO - DAY 2

Progressing slowly but steadily. The feature wall is purple and we have been moving easels, cabinets and lots more to the new space. My house feels a bit amputated. I have gotten so used to having everything around me. With time it will grow back I am sure.

Making a Move!

This morning I am getting the key to my new studio cum showroom. I am so excited! I will keep you posted on the progress, the before and after. Another space to play with....

...oh and I have put my old banner up on my blog again because some of my followers have indicated they prefer that one. I am not sure yet and it doesn't fit the recent changes I made on the layout (the banner is too short). well it wil just have to do for the moment!

Going in Circles

There are days that I feel I am going in circles. Too long behind my Mac browsing, tinkering with words and with one eye staring to the canvas on my easel. I am in the first place an artist and designer and find my self struggling with not enough hours in a day, trying to find the right balance between spending time on my art and designs, social media, marketing/sales, motherhood, book keeping, being a lovely man's girlfriend.... I love my work and have therefor decided to take action. I have rented a wonderful studio/showroom just 10 minutes cycling from my house where I can focus more on my creativity. No worries I will keep on blogging and reading and responding, but I will do it more "concentrated".
In the pictures my currrent workspot and the design I should have finished by now to send to my textile producer. All pictures are taken by gifted graphic designer and photographer Petra Bullee.

Artist Studio - Lisette de Zoete - Amsterdam

 

Lisette de Zoete's  design for the Dutch Film Museum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of Austrian born German actress and style icon Romy Schneider

What a crazy, aaargh fun (not complaining), diverse week this has been so far, including a photoshoot for Sabine Leenhout's book "Plan B". Talented photographer - illustrator Lisette de Zoete is responsible for the illustrations of Sabine's book, including 20 portraits of the interviewies. I love meeting other artists like Lisette, to exchange ideas and experiences, inspire each other.
Lisette has a deep fascination for handwriting. In her work she often combines handwriting with visuals, whether existing or in the form of her own photographs. Her work is full of emotion, it gets under your skin.
Only when the book is published later this year I can reveal her illustrations and portraits for the book in my blog, but what I can share with you now is an intimate peak into her studio. Just a little taste of what Lisette is all about. Photographs all by and courtesy of Lisette de Zoete. I absolutely recommend to visit her website to see more of her work. And thank you Lisette for letting me share your world!

Artist Studio - Amsterdam

Pictures by Henny van Belkom for Joie de Vivre magazine

Here are some pictures that I would love to share.  Taken in the studio that I had just before I decided to become a full time artist and designer. The pictures look like the ultimate artist's dream. Yes it was a wonderful studio with high ceilings, ornaments and lots of light but the girl holding the brush was at that time still a corporate girl only "playing artist" in her free time!

Artist Studio - Amsterdam

Pictures - Rogier Veldman for Staalmagazine

An artist needs space so they say. I have had 3 different studio's in Amsterdam but somehow I have never been able to settle in to these spaces. My house is where my soul is, it is my oversized inspiration board. Surrounded by all the things I love I accomplish my best work. Here are 2 photo's of one of my previous studio's. It was the typical romantic run down place but I kept missing my "stuff" around me.