At first - when I started working on these paintings - I wanted to create a series about people trying to find their balance in life. I got the idea when watching an old man, who could barely walk, literally swinging from one pole in the bus to the next until he reached the door. He was more in balance than the rest of us.
Nowadays a lot of people struggle with their balance in life and I am no stranger to that at times. But while working on the paintings, it seemed that they became more personal. I wasn't sure how or why but every time I looked at my work, it was as if I was telling myself something.
After a while it hit me: it was about me. I was the portrait of my transition from Holland to the US. Don't get me wrong, I have not regretted my move what so ever, but it did have an impact on me. I left my family, friends and my life as I knew it behind to start all over again.
The paintings are not sad - with their vivid bright colors - and it shows me finding a new balance here. Each one of them is a step towards the future. If you click here you can see the Transition paintings.
Click here if you want to know more about the presentation at the MOCA in North Miami.
I can't recall when I have actually ever been in balance. What's that? I think artistic types have balance issues all their life. Here's to instability.
ReplyDeleteAnd an artist needs that unbalance as too much balance would make us lazy;-)
ReplyDeleteLazy and you lose your edge.
ReplyDeleteAnd when that is gone, well then you have lost it all.
ReplyDeleteSo hear, hear, here is to imbalance