Belgium (1997)

I grew up in an urban environment. I believe, this made me appreciate the silence, and the beauty of nature from a very early age. I try to head out as much as I can. I absolutely love to wander around, and get lost, without any particular goal. I think it’s amazing, to slowly absorb an environment. By doing this, I already got to experience some wonderful interactions with animals, plants, … It’s all about slowing down, and observing. Creativity has always been a crucial part of who I am as a person.  Making drawings, and paintings is something I have done for as long as I can remember, and I think I will continue doing for as long as I can. Stories, started to play a crucial role in my life. I have had some difficulties with defining myself as an artist. I couldn’t make myself fit in any box, and it made me feel confused. Now I can proudly say, that I embrace myself as someone who wears many hats. I can lift myself up, by jumping from one medium, into another. I draw, I paint, Sculpt, I have a vegetable garden, I love cooking, I’m a passionate guide, I love to tell stories, I absolutely love traveling, I make photo’s,…

I was involved in a few nature conservation projects. Being out there, in the field, can really have a positive impact. Our natural world is facing so many threats. Art can speak to everyone. Art can make you feel things, it can open your eyes for things you weren’t aware of. I believe art, and nature conservation can go hand in hand, they can lift each other up. I try to get lost in the details of my drawings. When I allow myself to surrender to the proces, I get to experience something truly unique. When I make a wallpainting, I’m pushed to use my whole body, it’s a completely different practice. I draw all my inspiration from what I see, and experience in nature. Sometimes I return from a walk, with my pockets filled with pieces of wood, seedpods, shells,… In the end, I try to combine all elements I collected, into my own universe. Nothing beats, making a campfire on a starry night. There's nothing more refreshing, then taking a morning swim in a mountain lake. Fresh snow makes me sparkle. And, I could never get enough of wildcamping in breathtaking spots. Nature is.... endless wondering, goosebumps, absolute silence,... I hope you can get lost in my world as well. If i could bring people closer to our natural world, and make them see the beauty, but also the vulnerability of it all, I would be a very happy person.