What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path?
On my way to become a lawyer, I found photography. Or maybe photography found me. Either way it was love at first sight. I never considered myself creative, but slowly and surely I let myself believe I could be, and through it discovered more about myself, grew my mindset and built the life I love to live. Through years of fashion, portrait and wedding photography, I built my business and a few years ago found my current biggest passion in travel photography. It’s a big honour to now see my world in living rooms, bedrooms and offices around the world.
What are some of your favourite materials and mediums to work with, and why do you prefer them?
I used to shoot a lot of film, but am now shooting most of my work with a Fujifilm GFX50R: a digital medium format camera that helps me create images with some of the characteristics of film that I love, like film inspired colours and lots of depth, but with the resolution and quality of a digital medium format camera. I absolute love it.
How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?
Natural, timeless, colourful, adventurous and simple. When looking back on my work from over a decade ago: I notice those qualities were already there. I did of course develop my skills overtime, found my niche, learned and dared to express myself more and more. Film also played a big part in my journey to my style, and my way of working within photography. Within my digital photography, I still try to have a very minimalistic style of workflow: I don’t spend hours and hours on the perfect technical photo, but am more focused on capturing a feeling, a story, and am not too concerned with technical details or elaborate shooting techniques. It’s about me showing the beauty of the world through my eyes.
What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you?
Adventure and nature mostly. Like I said: to show the beauty of world through my eyes. Hoping to inspire people to travel, broaden their horizon, but also to preserve our stunning planet for generations to come.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece?
As a location independent entrepreneur, I travel a lot. Some photos of mine are simply taken during my personal walks or visits to places I long to see. Sometimes, I'll do a bit more research and show up with somewhat of a shot list. But I do feel my best work is made on the go, and rather spontaneous. My edit is, as the rest of my workflow, simple and timeless. And then it's all about selecting the best to upload to Fy!, and share them with the world.
What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge has always been balancing my private life with business, as is probably recognisable for a lot of creatives. I love my work so much, and it gives me so much energy, that I usually have to keep reminding myself to carve out enough free time for myself. I keep getting better at it though.
How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch?
I keep on creating. Elizabeth Gilbert and her vision on creativity, as described in her book Big Magic and in her TED talks, is one I consider my own. We're all creative, and creativity as an artist should be taken seriously, but at the same time it should be playful, and not seen as something too heavy. I create everyday, try not to be too much of a perfectionist about it, and it is what drives me and my skills forward.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their artistic journeys?
Fall in love with your own work. For real. I see too many artists complain about their own work, and it saddens me. If you don't absolutely adore what you make, why should anyone else? A second piece of advice would be: learn to be a good entrepreneur / marketeer, or have someone you really trust do this part for you.
What are your goals for your art in the future, and where do you see your career going in the next few years?
Keep having fun, love what I make, travel the world, and keep making my own authentic choices as I go.
What's your favourite piece that you sell on Fy! and why?
Probably all of the different door photos. Like this one, for example. I am always drawn to pretty doors, and so seemingly are a lot of people. I like how this is some sort of universal obsession.
Which other artists on the Fy! platform do you love?
I love A Carousel Wandering, fellow Dutchie Henrike Schenk and Sabina Fenn
Our shoppers love to buy multiple pieces to create Gallery walls, can you suggest any other art prints on Fy! which you feel complement yours?
I feel typography and travel posters would work really well with my travel photography prints. Like: https://www.iamfy.co/product/the-grand-budapest-hotel-art-print https://www.iamfy.co/product/aperol-spritz-cocktail-art-print-3 and https://www.iamfy.co/product/biggie-smalls-juicy-art-print
Where is your artwork best suited in a home?
They fit really well into gallery walls in the living room, or as a statement piece near the dining table, office or bedroom.
