Discover the work of dutch artist Kirsten Blom
What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path?
I've always been creative, also as a child. I drew, painted, made little booklets, but I also loved decorating my bedroom. In high school I graduated in visual arts and art history, but after that I went to university and I didn't drew that much anymore. During my career as a social science researcher and teacher I noticed I missed my creative side and I wanted to make stuff again. And that's how I started my hobby of drawing and painting again. After following a number of courses in illustration, I decided to start my own business as an illustrator, because I love painting and making other people smile with my illustrations.
What are some of your favourite materials and mediums to work with, and why do you prefer them?
When I started out, I used watercolours and black pen, but after a while I discovered gouache paints. They were much more opaque and that really felt right for the things I wanted to make. However, gouache paints become fluid again when they become wet, so painting mutiple layers was difficult. Then I discovered acryla gouache paint and that really was everything I could wish for. They a bright, opaque, have marvellous colours and they cannot be reactivated with water so you can paint multiple layers on top of each other. Sometimes I also use my Ipad to draw, but I prefer working analogue.
How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?
My style is colourful, bright, detailed, but balanced. I often use a lot of plants, flowers and birds in my illustrations. And I always draw women whenever I draw people. Often these women are doing things I really love: reading, gardening, cuddling their pet. My style has evolved in a way that I usually make full pages instead of lose drawing without a background.
What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you?
I love to explore themes such as self care, seeing the importance of little things and seeking comfort. This is important to me because I know it can be hard to find peace in these times we are living in. There are so many distractions and things that need to be done, that self care becomes really important.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece?
Usually I start sketching with coloured pencil. I gather ideas by looking at images on the internet or Pinterest and start sketching a lot. Then I usually leave it for a while before I start a final sketch. That sketch usually isn't very detailed, because I love to put the details in while I am painting. So after the rough sketch I start painting and keep on putting new layers on until I think it is finished. Usually I scan it in then and correct some little things.
How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch?
I just start playing around with materials and think to myself that I am doing this for me. No one has to see. Then I start feeling more motivated and less scared and the creativity starts to flow again. Things don't need to be perfect. My illustrations have to give me a happy feeling and that is the most important goal for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their artistic journeys?
Just keep making a lot and experiment with different materials to see what suits you best. Don't worry about not having a certain style, because if you keep on making stuff, your style will emerge. And even then, it will change again. Be curious in this process, not judgemental.
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What's your favourite piece that you sell on Fy! and why?
One of my favourites is the dove of peace art print, because it conveys an important message in all softness and colourfulness. I think that speaks to a lot op people.
Which other artists on the Fy! platform do you love?
Anita Letuve, because she also makes beautiful colourful work.
