How seemingly unimportant objects can have meaning
How seemingly unimportant objects can gain meaning so that everything can become a symbol of something bigger. The choice of a subject is mainly determined by how I relate to that subject. "What does this mean for me?" The most ordinary things can become meaningful if you really pay attention to them. I try to make that meaning visible. I don't show what is, but what it could mean. Such an image arises from a feeling or experience, and by creating I can shape, hold on to, or share that. For me it is about capturing a thought, an essence, something that is not always immediately visible, but which you may be able to experience.
In my works I try to show what I value, without words. The images I make are not always intended as a clear message. Sometimes it is an invitation to see in a different way. The heaviness and stillness in my heliogravures rather convey an experience that would otherwise have passed by. I hope that my work makes people stand still, that it stirrs something inside them they forgot was there. Maybe someone recognizes themselves in what I show, or feels something that is otherwise difficult to explain.
I believe that art is meant for that: to make a kind of contact, on a deeper level.
What I make is about being human. About the human ability to seek and be able to give meaning, in order to connect with what we see and feel. My images are made out of personal experience, but often touch on feelings that are recognizable to everyone; doubt, wonder, sadness, beauty. In this way, my persspective can also contribute something to others.
If my work makes someone stop for a moment, or change or add perspective, then that is the value of art for me.
My way of working is artisan, with a great focus on the process and mastering the technique. In addition to material quality and technique, patience is of importance; always continue to contemplate and behold.
The idea for a work can be a coincidence, the work is not. The process of searching for that essence takes time and my way of working is slow and attentive, almost meditative. Often the question is: Is it sufficient? Do I show what I wanted to show? There is always more and where do you draw the line..
Gravures
Heliogravure or Photogravure originally was a very complex technique. Photopolymer printing plates make this type of gravure a lot more manageable, controllable and environmentally friendly.
Nowadays both the inks and the etching plates can be dissolved with soap and water.
Despite the fact that the current technique at a very basic level differs from the original heliogravure process (from about 1820), the photopolymer etching plate has similar printing properties. The beautiful material blacks of the printed plate are comparable to those of a mezzotint.
All engravings are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Other work
In addition to the current graph, there is also other and previous work. A selection of these can be found
here.
AT is a participant in the new artist collective
galerie veluwe
Participant in the
kunstroute noord west veluwe 2025
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