From a young age, I was captivated by the natural world. I would spend hours searching for small living creatures in the ditch near our home or quietly sitting in the branches of trees, waiting for birds to make their appearance. This fascination continues to inspire my art, where I translate my encounters with nature into paint.
In my paintings, I follow an impressionistic approach, marked by expressive brushstrokes that prioritize mood and atmosphere over strict realism. The compositions often showcase natural landscapes and wildlife, capturing movement and light. Forms blend into vibrant color and texture, creating a dreamlike exploration.
Over time, I have gravitated toward more abstract depictions of landscapes and animals, maintaining the spirit of nature while embracing bold, expressive use of color and form. These works focus on the sensory experience of observing the natural world without being bound to factual representation. For me, art is a continuous dialogue, an exploration of the intricate and moving layers within and around us—a shared space where we find our roots.
I prefer to paint from direct observation. Landscapes are painted en plein air, while for animal portraits, I venture into the forest, camera in hand, hoping for encounters with local wildlife. When it comes to materials, I like to oversee every step—from crafting my oil paints using pigments and linseed oil to stretching my own canvases and framing my work. These personal touches and experiences feed into the energy of the final artwork.
Background – before immersing myself in painting I was active as a scientist and musician:
- 2004-2006: MSc, Biomolecular Sciences, Utrecht University
- 2006-2012: PhD, Developmental Biology, Utrecht University
- Identifying novel factors that promote spindle positioning in the C. elegans embryo.
- 1996-2004: Guitarist in Downburst (rock/metal)
- 2002-2011: Guitarist in Salacious Gods (black metal)
- 2011-2021: Solo musician performing under the alias “Lend me your underbelly”.
The name Lend me your underbelly originates from my time as a musician. Using guitar and other instruments, loopers, and lo-fi electronics, I created dreamy and psychedelic improvisations. I also recorded outdoor sounds—people, animals, weather, and objects—and wove them into my music. Stripped of their visual context, these sounds resonated with an underlying, shared essence, an instinctual “gut feeling.” The name reflects this exploration. Now, as a painter, using color and brushtrokes, I continue to search for that hidden layer of nature.