Woman/ fish

Painting

Most of the time I feel I have the best job in the world. But last Tuesday I had my doubts. I went to see the Marlene Dumas show in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Oouch. Being an illustrator is amazing, but being a painter really must be the best. I miss my own painting days sometimes. The oil, the canvas, the hours spent just watching the painting. Contemplating, removing, adding. Wonderful. But who knows... I still see myself in a big workstudio someday. But for now I do have the best job in the world. And my studio also is my livingroom, with great music, my computer and my pentablet. Making wonderful work, seen by many as well. And Marlene, thank you. For the energy and good spirits that bursted off those canvasses....

Lost & Found

Two old writingpads. Found in France. In a little shop, filled with old magazines, books and modern pens and pencils. I love treasure hunting in France. Their fleamarkets are filled with old stuff. I found the pile of old magazines in a corner of a little shop. Filled with paintings, glasswork, threads and textile. Old lights, and old french people. With old smelly dogs.
And on the topfloor, tucked away in a corner: this pile of forgotten magazines  from 1953. 35 francs at the time.
 The pile was three times as big. I could not take them all. Maybe I should have. Cause for 50 cents  a piece? What a bargain! And look at all those post-its. That is what inspiration looks like!

Illustraties voor het magazine van Sociëteit De Kring, te Amsterdam.

Todays Nrc.Next

Siem

For the courageous, kind, softspirited Lineke. She gave birth to a beautiful babyboy called Siem (also my sisters nickname). Lineke and her boyfriend Niels were the easiest going clients ever. So nice to work with them. Siem, with so much hair and two amazing parents. Love Marike.