A smiling woman with short dark hair, glasses, and earrings, wearing a denim apron over a black shirt, sitting at a wooden table with art supplies, in an art studio with paintings on the wall.
Painting of blue and white vases and a bowl of apples, displayed on a wooden easel, with real similar vases on a table beside it.

About the artist

Creativity and curiosity have always been central to my life, but it was in my early fifties that I fully reclaimed my artistic voice. Through study, experimentation, and inspiring mentors, I rediscovered the freedom and joy that define my work today. I am a graduated artist from the Vrije Academie in Nunspeet.

I explore a wide range of styles and techniques, from portraits and landscapes to abstract works, created with oil, acrylics, or mixed media. What drives me is a fascination with beauty in all its forms: the subtle, the imperfect, the overlooked.

A key part of my practice is engaging with the world around us. Themes such as climate change, migration, and conflict often shape my work. I see art as a way to spark dialogue, evoke emotion, and inspire reflection, while also celebrating resilience and light amid difficult times.

My studio is located in the quiet village of Vierhouten, on the edge of the Veluwe forests in the Netherlands. Surrounded by nature, I create work that connects observation, emotion and meaning, always with the hope of touching the viewer.

Collage of torn paper pieces with a central orange rescue raft illustration, surrounded by clouds of mixed blue, green, and purple hues, and scattered small cutouts of text in Dutch.

Giving back

In August 2023, I moved to the small village of Vierhouten and began volunteering at a shelter for unaccompanied young refugees. These teenagers, aged 14–18, have left their families and countries to escape danger, a sobering thought for anyone. None of them spoke Dutch when they arrived.

Each week I give art classes, offering them a moment of relief and a space to express themselves. Through drawing and painting, they can unwind, process emotions, and slowly adjust to their new surroundings. Creating a relaxed atmosphere where they feel safe to talk, learn a few Dutch words, and simply enjoy themselves is essential.

Working with these young people from diverse backgrounds brings me great joy. Art becomes a universal language that builds confidence and helps them reconnect with their own creativity. Over time, many have moved on and new faces have arrived, and it continues to be deeply rewarding to support their integration through painting.