Photography

While traveling

Something that gives me a lot of inspiration is traveling and getting to know new cultures and people. Experiencing something new makes you look at familiar things differently, which in turn gives you new ideas. That is why I don’t mind being thrown in at the deep end now and then. Because you always learn a lot from this.

For example, when I went on holiday to France with my parents and they would just send me to the bakery to get bread. Despite the little bit of French I spoke at the time, I came back to the campsite with delicious bread.

For me, holidays have always been a time of rest and a chance to try new things. Among other things,
this is how I learned photography.
I was explained the basics by my parents after which I just started. From mountains to goats and lakes to buildings. I saw a story in everything. And still do. But that is also the beauty of creativity. It lets you see things that others cannot yet imagine.
Not until you work it out. And even then they see it differently again. Because they haven’t had the same experiences as you. And so they look at it from a different perspective.

So that’s one of the reasons why I love reading so much. You can then have so many different experiences and perspectives. But not only that. Also, different time periods that you couldn’t imagine now. That’s why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres because it allows you to experience a story from a time when you didn’t even exist. And I find that very interesting.

The one thing that inspires me still to this day is Berlin. I have never been so impressed by a place as I was then. And that’s mainly because the city doesn’t feel like a city. It’s more like a lot of big villages stuck together. And that makes you feel very welcome. And that everyone is welcome. Because it is also a very diverse city of people, cultures, and history. A lot of history can be seen, among other things, in the abundance of art everywhere. But you can also find a lot of history in the architecture. Once you have seen and heard about some landmarks, you see more and more the difference between the old West and East Berlin and you also start to understand the layout of the city better. Despite only spending a week there, it will be something I will never forget.

Just like my travels near Venice. This is also one of those cities you can’t compare to anything else. It is something magical where you discover something new around every corner. Around one corner is a beautiful church and the next corner is delicious typical Italian food. The best time to be there is around sunset, when most people have already gone home and you are in a water bus in the middle of the water. looking over the sea and the houses at the edge. How the sun reflects on the water and the buildings take on a magical glow to dream away completely. This is also what I made one of my favorite paintings on called “Paesaggio Urbano”.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya Angelou

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“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya Angelou |

Austria - Mountains

The mountains hold a unique magic, especially for someone from the flat expanse of Fryslân. It's a profound contrast, a shift from simplicity to the majestic verticality of peaks. Each step upward feels like a departure into a rugged, ancient world. The mountain air, rough terrain, and expansive views create a sensory experience unlike anything in the flatlands. It's a poetic dance between two contrasting landscapes, revealing a deep appreciation for the Earth's diverse beauty.

Venice - Timeless

This charming city has a lot of old canals that make a beautiful picture, with pretty buildings everywhere. Every bridge and curvy street tells a story about the interesting history and culture of the place. And not to forget, very delicious food.

Prague - Vibrant

Prague is a stunning city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. The city is known for its historic charm, highlighted by a maze of old streets and picturesque buildings. Prague is famous for its iconic bridges that cross the Vltava River, connecting different parts of the city.

The overall atmosphere is enchanting, and each corner seems to reveal a piece of the city's cultural story. With its timeless beauty and intricate design, Prague is an adventure to never forget.

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all the familiar comforts of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things. Air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky. All things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.”

– Cesare Pavese

Switzerland

The Swiss Alps present a stunning landscape of towering peaks, alpine lakes, and charming villages. Majestic mountains like the Matterhorn and lush valleys create a picturesque setting. Snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and vibrant meadows offer diverse scenery.

The region is a haven for winter sports and hiking, with traditional chalets dotting the landscape. The Swiss Alps provide a breathtaking combination of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

Berlin - Freedom

Made with a disposable camera

Berlin is a canvas of dynamic contrasts and creative energy. The city's streets are an open gallery, adorned with vibrant street art and murals that breathe life into its urban spaces. Graffiti-covered remnants of the Berlin Wall stand as poignant reminders of the city's history, serving as both a testament to resilience and a canvas for expression.

The eclectic neighborhoods, from the historic Mitte to the bohemian Kreuzberg, offer a diverse palette of inspiration. Architectural marvels like the Brandenburger Tor and the Reichstag blend seamlessly with modern structures, creating a visual dialogue between the past and present. Each corner seems to whisper stories of the city's evolution, inviting artists to capture its essence in their work.

Berlin's thriving arts scene, with its countless galleries, studios, and avant-garde exhibitions, fosters an environment of experimentation and innovation. The city's alternative spirit and underground culture provide a fertile ground for artistic exploration, where unconventional ideas flourish and boundaries are pushed.

As the sun sets, Berlin transforms into a city of lights, with iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky. The pulsating energy of its nightlife, infused with creativity, further fuels the artist's imagination. Berlin, with its raw authenticity and ever-evolving identity, invites artists to interpret its complexities, creating a visual symphony that reflects the spirit of this dynamic metropolis.