Janine van Herwaarden is a Dutch artist, a graduate of the Kunstacademie Haarlem/Leiden and Technische Universiteit Delft. Her paintings are colorful, layered, and feature repeating patterns that unmistakably reflect the relationship with nature, handicrafts, and patchwork. The beauty of repaired objects and textiles, as well as techniques like sashiko (a Japanese embroidery technique), are also significant sources of inspiration for Janine.
As a child, I was already drawn to craftsmanship and enjoyed making things with my hands. I was fascinated by handmade objects and amazed at how something beautiful could emerge from almost nothing. I admired my grandmother for her beautiful creations: colorful patchwork bedspreads made from crocheted blocks and countless knitting projects. This has had a profound influence on how I incorporate craftsmanship into my art. The repetition helps me enter a state of flow, tapping into my subconscious and boosting my creativity. I believe craftsmanship, in general, connects people in a beautiful way. I will never forget how my grandmother, mother, and aunts would sit knitting, chatting about what was on their minds. I believe this is the antithesis of how people experience life nowadays.
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How I work:
I start with what occupies my mind. Often, it's simply something from everyday life that captivates or enchants me. A memory or an event that moves me. Living abroad, especially in China, has certainly sharpened my sensory perceptions. I experiment a lot to explore how I can express what I want to show. This leads to unexpected discoveries, and I strive to elevate these surprises to a higher level.
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De Galerie Rotterdam offers you a choice of 23 werken from Janine van Herwaarden. Click on one of the works for more information and availability for hire.
