Artist Statement
I embrace the process of change through exploration. It allows me to look beyond my own horizon and to recognize the tight boundaries I have set for myself and my creativity.
Suddenly, I am able to open up to change and to gain an unknown freedom, while relieving myself of stagnation and fearfulness.
During the process of making, I welcome evolution, which helps me grow as an artist and as a human being.
Illustration by A. H. Watson
My story back when
Ever since I remember, I loved stories and fairy tales.
They would create pictures in my mind, that were magical and wondrous. Some of the story books contained beautiful illustrations and sparked my initial desire to better my drawing skills.
I signed up for a Pen and Ink drawing course at the Parson school of design in 1998, while doing an internship with a landscape architect in New York.
Right there, my artist journey began!
My student years
After moving to the United States and working as a landscape designer, I signed up for a Figure Drawing class at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Art, in Connecticut. Surely once I would be able to draw the human figure I would be able to draw anything! Soon thereafter, portrait and figure painting classes followed.
Student drawing ca. 2004
Studying as a part-time student for a while, I needed funds for further studies. There was a school which offered a
Masters Degree in figurative oil painting, the New York Academy of Art. To get accepted to this prestigious school seemed far from realistic, but I decided to take the plunge and sent in my application. I could not believe my eyes when the acceptance letter arrived. My own fairy tale was coming true!
A long time has gone by since I was a child, listening to fairy tales, and the moment, I held my Masters Degree in my hands. It firmed my belief, that with enough patience, courage and hard work, dreams can truly come true.
Im Zoo, iPhone scribble, ca. 2014