The Art of Living Event 2024
What a weekend!
I’m still coming down from it a little… because wow, this was special.
On May 17, 18 and 19, I exhibited my work for the very first time at The Art of Living Event at the Autotron in Rosmalen. Three days filled with art, interior design and creativity, but above all with people. I had been looking forward to this for so long, yet I couldn’t have imagined beforehand how it would actually feel.
The weeks leading up to the event already felt like a celebration. Selecting which pieces would come with me, fine tuning them, doubting, rearranging, and then looking at everything one last time. Some of the paintings I brought were already sold, which meant this was truly the last chance to see them in real life. That made the preparation even more meaningful.
And then the doors opened.
From the very first moment, it was busy. So many people stopping, looking closely, asking questions and sharing their stories. That is what I love most about events like this. Not just showing my work, but the real connection. The conversations. The recognition. The personal stories people spontaneously share when a painting speaks to them.
What made this experience even more special for me was that I got to do this together with my mother. Something I honestly never expected. She with her colorful elephants, me with my sensual women. Two completely different styles side by side:
Roughly painted and finely detailed
Animals and women
Colorful and calm, natural tones
And yet, it felt perfectly right. We stood opposite each other, received so many compliments, and I noticed myself blushing more than once. From pride, from excitement, from everything at once. It felt like a huge confirmation to see that my work truly touches people and that they trust me with something personal.
At the end of the weekend, what I felt most was gratitude. For everyone who came by. For the beautiful conversations. For the opportunities that came from this experience. And for the simple fact that I get to do this.
