Introduction

Three
Outwards
Four
The door
Duality
Growing
Tears
Three
Expansion
Inwards

The seed for my art practice was planted in early childhood. Growing up in an unsafe environment, to say the least, sketchbooks were always a place where I could express myself and make room for overflowing emotions. It became an inner calling to create visually where words were lacking. This voice has always been asking and screaming for attention.

A recurring element showing up in my art has always been the heart, but since 2009 I have fully dedicated myself to this theme. It has grown on me in ways I could not foresee.

The heart theme is relevant in today’s society. My overall impression is that the heart does not get enough attention in our day-to-day environment. I even dare say that the lack of a heart connection with ourselves, as with others, is the cause of our worldly problems.

The artworks come from the heart and are about the heart. This means multiple things:

  • Literally drawing the heart over and over develops a visual communication language. An ongoing process in which new concepts keep emerging. The used elements can be brought back to a heart shape containing arcs and angles.
  • Some concepts are about going inward for the heart’s connection with yourself, or outward for the heart’s connection with others.
  • There is a constant interaction between sharpness (the angles) and roundness (the arcs) visualizing how we interact with each other in relationships, having protective defenses or being open and receptive.
  • A recurring ritual involves taking a canvas and starting without a plan, not trying to steer the process, but letting it happen: the heart over the brain.

For me, it is not only about creating the artworks, but it is as important to also share them with others. Reluctant to explain the art, I'd rather gently invite the viewer to connect with the artwork themselves. For some it comes with ease, but for others the following questions can help:

1. What do you see?

2. How does it make you feel?

3. What do you think it is about?

I am at the stage where feedback from the viewers flow back into my art practice.

I work in a wide range of materials and choose them intuitively, looking for a certain emotional setting. Due to the body of work I've built, the techniques 'that work' become apparent. I continue to push experimentation and invite for the message that needs to be conveyed.

From the heart, Kera