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I was born in 1946 in a little town in
Holland called Renkum. My parents migrated to Australia
in 1954 and we spent our early days in the wheat belt
town of Quairading. I did my secondary education in
Northam and New Norcia, where I enjoyed boarding school
and the friendship of other students and teachers. After
school I did a short stint in clerical and insurance
work, and then worked mainly in various businesses for
myself.
Although born in Holland,
I have always considered myself Australian though I
am very proud of my heritage. My work comes with strong
influences from that background.
I have always been
passionately interested in art- particularly Vincent
Van Gogh and the Impressionists.
In 1989 I decided to become part of the
art world and I began drawing and painting. I became
interested in the work of Picasso as well as Australian
artists like Charles Blackman, John Olson and WA artist
Larry Mitchell. Larry Mitchell became not only teacher
but also mentor and friend.
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Today, I call my art ‘Abstract Narrative’.
I look for colour, balance and story.
I have always thought of the artist as a catalyst;
i.e. the messenger between creativity and the viewer, and
although each artist claims it as his own, I believe a much
more powerful force is at work when the artist stands in front
of the easel!
I have had four one-man exhibitions and been
involved in group and specialist exhibitions for many years.
I live in Mandurah, with my wife Rose, we have
two daughters and four grandchildren.
Artist Statement
Art has always been an essential part of my
life. Long before making art, I always enjoyed the works of
traditional and contemporary artists alike. They provided
inspiration, stimulation and for me a greater enjoyment of
life.
Colour, balance and narrative is what I make
my art about. There has to be colour, (and often lots of it),
balance, so that a picture looks composed and most importantly
the work must tell a story. Most of my paintings have more
than one story (or narrative).
Art is for everyone. It welcomes rich and poor,
young and old. It lifts when you’re feeling down and
inspires when you need to be inspired. It enhances and enriches
where we live and where we work. Art adds reason for living
and fulfilment to life.
Art reminds me how wonderful and privileged
it is to be alive and human.
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