Summer news

This summer was all about ENCOUNTERS. In France, in Germany and simply on the cycle path to the shop, people crossed my path with whom I had remarkable conversations. Strangers who look you in the eye and with whom you click straight away at the first remark or greeting. People with their own particular stories or experiences, which for me as an artist are the start of a creative process. In my head, thoughts and images begin to form, which ultimately lead to real sculptures of wood, glass and metal. Sometimes I write down my experiences. When I do, I do not give away what I talked about with these people, because I want to be a trustworthy conversation partner. Being, and remaining, discreet is the basis of a bond of trust. The relationship that results has lasted many decades for some. For some, a single word was an answer that gave direction. You do sometimes wonder why those people cross your path. Perhaps you should not want to know the answer. Being available for others is a choice that gives substance to my existence. In stillness with God I hear Him, sometimes for myself and sometimes for someone else. That generates sculptural work and an international network. Not the masses but the individual is what guides me.

At the beginning of August I took part in the 36th Christian Artists Seminar in Siegburg, Germany. In the former abbey of St. Michaelsberg, a magnificent location, I gave two workshops*. The first, “Digging for gold”, together with fellow artist Gerdien van Delft. The other, “The creative process”, I did on my own, and it was well attended by Christian artists from various European countries, all in English. The description on the site: “Digging for gold is about looking beyond the things we find, see or are able to do. In the surrounding area we will go out into the woods and streets to find materials. These ‘found objects’ are starting points for assembling 3D collages. Finally we give meaning and purpose to these works of art by sharing and presenting them.” The description of “The creative process” was: “First of all we come with open hands and open minds. Please feel free to bring some tools you normally work with. Most importantly, be open to doing new things, or doing ordinary things in a new way… Bring your notebook, camera, etc. We will go out in the area to seek and find materials, ideas and structures that will deepen or broaden your horizon. Let us look at things from an unexpected angle.” The outcome of both workshops was heartwarming. New processes have been set in motion, both for the participants and for me.

On one of the evenings I gave a presentation in which I referred to the prayer nut, because this object was once the beginning of my artistic development. I explained the link with my current sculptural work: human figures that emerge from damaged pieces of wood. Might that perhaps also be a way of processing the ‘ENCOUNTERS’ described earlier? Participants in the CA (Christian Artists Seminar) include dancers, writers, musicians, visual artists, storytellers, clowns, filmmakers, painters, sound engineers and so on. Both top-level professionals and emerging artists who are looking for depth and inspiration. It is a platform where we meet one another and can enjoy each other’s expertise. http://www.christianartists.org/

RESPONSES to the encounters.

“During our walks in Saxony I thought of you and your work regularly, whenever we passed yet another old gnarled tree that embraced a boulder with its roots. I am curious about the new sculptures and themes! Last week I went with my best friend to Small Wonders at the Rijksmuseum. Won-der-ful! What magnificent little works! We enjoyed all the little objects for at least two hours, regularly ducking under the tables so we could look at the nuts from every side. Bliss!” (MS)

“Thank you so much!!! The seminar was a time of personal healing on so many levels!! I was telling my best friend about all of it today and I told her about you and that I felt you reflected the Father’s heart of God!” (VT)

“I really enjoyed looking at your websites! The prayer nuts you create are simply beautiful. I imagine they bring you as much joy to make as they do those who receive them.” (AS)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Workshop* at the end of August: “Into the woods”. With three people who together have turned 200 and want to celebrate their birthdays with a workshop! Lovely idea! (Cancelled)

• Private workshop* in October: ‘Reformation’, renewal. How do you go about that? It will be a fascinating evening.

• Symposium in Culemborg on 4 November. Platform Kerk & Kunst is organising “Schuren en Scheppen. Ontregelende kunst in de kerk”. http://platformkerkenkunst.nl/

*** If you would like me to run one of the workshops mentioned, please get in touch.

If you have indicated that I may keep you informed, lovely! If you have not signed up yet, you can do so here. Thank you for your interest! 😊