“I partially grew up on a farm, surrounded by animals. It was there that my deep love for nature and animals was born—a love that has profoundly influenced my work as a visual artist. In my oil paintings, I focus on the beauty and fate of animals, with a special emphasis on those often ‘forgotten’ in intensive livestock farming. These animals, largely hidden from view, deserve to be seen. My goal is to inspire people to look more closely at these ‘forgotten’ animals, which are used for our consumption. I paint my models as they were when they were still alive, as a tribute to their involuntary sacrifice for humanity.
Additionally, I aim to give a voice to the vulnerable creatures in our immediate environment, particularly birds. Their habitats in the Netherlands have significantly deteriorated due to the paving of gardens, the replacement of fences with barriers, and the removal of bushes and trees. This has far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and the well-being of the animals that depend on these habitats. By capturing birds in oil on canvas, I hope to encourage people to pay more attention to these beautiful creatures, which might otherwise easily pass us by. Perhaps it will inspire them to welcome more birds into their gardens or onto their balconies.”
Short Summary: “I want to inspire people to look more closely at the ‘forgotten’ animals used for our consumption. By capturing birds in oil on canvas, I hope that people will look more attentively at these beautiful animals, which might otherwise quickly fly past us. Perhaps it will inspire them to welcome more birds into their gardens or onto their balconies.”
