Unveiling the Artistic magic: A peek into my creative process

Join me on a visual exploration of my creative process! As someone who thinks in images, I translate vibrant mental pictures into art. Here, you'll find a selection of photos and videos showcasing the practical steps of crafting my pieces, works in progress (WIP), and before-and-after transformations. This blog is continually developing, so make sure to visit from time to time.

I will be honest, I never liked sharing my process. It was a big issue in art school. The teachers didn't understand what I was doing there since I wasn't open to fully sharing it. Now I know why I had such problems with it. I felt naked. Creating was my safe space, and I didn't trust anyone to show and share my inner world with. I was not a person who knew how to hide behind concepts. It was all or nothing, closed off or totally open. Raw and vulnerable. But I had too many masks, walls, and self-protection going on, which was necessary since I was a survivor.

Yeah, I get it now, but back in the day, I did anything (subconsciously) to hide it. I still have that tendency, but at least I'm now aware of it, and I don't need the approval of others anymore since I finally trust and love myself. (As you can see, all are related. Art equals life, in my case).

For many people, grasping the process from concept to completion enhances their connection to the artwork. It's not solely about the "final" result (every artist understands there is no true final result, only choices made along the way), but rather about embracing and valuing the thought, effort, and creativity invested in each stage.

It reveals the multiple layers an artwork might possess.

It's not necessarily about understanding it, dissecting all the layers, and analyzing them (unless that's what you enjoy), nor is it about "explaining." I tend to "believe" more in feeling it or not feeling it. However, that's not for everyone.

For those individuals, words or specific visuals can help create a deeper connection.

Stories are intriguing and vital if you aim to communicate awareness or need to be understood.

Sometimes, crafting your own narrative can be more enjoyable. Especially if you have an associative mind, the connections it can form can be fascinating. With all due respect, I often find the reactions around concepts more interesting than the original concept itself.

Ultimately, it depends on the purpose, I suppose.

Ultimately, it is a visual language that reflects both the complexity and simplicity of nature.

It is constantly evolving. This trait holds as much significance to me as art itself does.

It uncovers the links between all things, uniting the essence of everyone and everything.

Ok! Back to the practical parts! (Sort of)

The Creative Process

Initial Inspiration.

The creation of an artwork starts with a spark or a full idea. For many artists, this involves sketching, a concept, or writing as a start. In my case, when making collages, I begin by collecting images. I choose images from online public domain libraries, vintage books, and magazines, then either scan them or print and cut/tear them out. While I sometimes start with analog techniques, I may finish the piece digitally. When working in 3D, I usually start by writing. Rather than having specific concepts or plans, it's about gaining insight into the moment and discovering what emerges during the writing process.

If I'm drawing, painting, or using other materials/methods, I begin without preliminary sketches, relying solely on my imagination. From there, I proceed.

Regardless of the method or material, the artwork evolves throughout the creative process. (Many times)

My ideas often originate from a thought, a feeling, or an image that arises when I hear music or sounds, or when I catch a scent. It might be a moment when things came together or a fleeting instance, like the wind blowing a strand of hair through a beam of light, or something similar (a bit cliché, but you understand what I mean).

I am intrigued by patterns, contrasts, synchronicities, and parallels.

I find inspiration in sensory experiences, such as the smell of words or the sound of a color.

And I use fragments of my dreams. I see magic in it all.

During Art Academy, I arrogated the self-acclaimed term "Onstaniteit" - "Het spontaan ontstaan," which is different from ready-made art but shares resemblances with the Dadaist concept of "Found Art."

Bringing Vision to life

With raw materials and initial designs, the art evolves into often complex, layered compositions. This phase is the "puzzle-solving" phase, as I like to name it. This process is still a mystery to me, but it involves a lot of trying out and experimenting with composition, shapes, and colors. I can get lost in this phase because there are endless options. So, solving the puzzle by making choices is paramount to reaching another level.

The Magic of Details.

This phase is also dangerous because you have to stop in time before you regret it. It is easy to mess things up. In most cases, less is more.

I place great importance to details. Some details are more apparent, while others are subtler. The process of adding details is quite meditative, as it requires dedication and precision, necessitating intense focus. This is something I excel at. For me, it's either hyper focus or none at all.

Reveal Time.

This phase always brings up many emotions. I may share more about that later on.

2 random old pics for now. Come back later for more visuals

Join the Journey

Curious to see more instead of reading? I will try making more videos and images from now on to get a more intimate look at my artistic process. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a fellow creative, I invite you to explore, engage, and be inspired.

Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or to discuss a custom piece. Let's bring your vision to life together!

By presenting my artistic process, I hope to offer a glimpse into the magic that happens behind the scenes, inviting you to experience the full narrative of creation.

Enjoy your unique process!