More EarthRocks & MoonSwings travelled to a happy new home!

A while back, I wrote about the new additions to my series ''EarthRocks & MoonSwings''. Started back in 2012, I never thought that this Galaxic Bromance would turn out to be one of my most popular and best-selling series.

Part of the reason why this series is so succesful, I think is because of its almost unbearable overdosage of cute - this is a series primarily about unconditional friendship, of a bond that can't be broken, for being there for each other, no matter what. Relationships like those are very hard to come by, as Life constantly shapes and influences friendships and puts them to the test.

So, when asked to draw more of these because one buyer had absolutely fallen in love with them and really wanted to give one to his brother who was getting married, I felt motivated to draw a couple more. And in total, 11 new ''EarthRocks & MoonSwings'' have seen the light! Will add them to the Series Galleries soon!

And guess what, almost immediately after sharing them on my Facebook page, another buyer stepped forward and purchased one, too. And so, a couple of weeks ago, ''EarthRocks & MoonSwings #44'' moved to its happy new home - and judging by the picture buyer sent me the other day, I think they are in really great company!

Witty Art at people's homes: another Lost Bear (un)happy at home!

It's always great when a happy new owner of my artwork sends me pictures of what's now their very own piece of Witty Art. I always am happily surprised by the often creative ways in which many owners display my art at their homes. They go to great lengths of choosing the right spot or even specially creating one. 

Some know it straight away, others take a bit longer. Some will move stuff around Witty Art, others will make it blend in with their surroundings. But whatever they decide, it's always a loving, welcoming and often very thorough process. It's never random.

Over time, I have built up quite a collection of pictures of Witty Art at people's homes and/or offices.

The other day I received two snapshots by my fellow artist, theatremaker and director Irene Siekman, who purchased one of my 'Lost Bears', while they were on display during my soloshow at Hostel Ani & Haakien last autumn. I was pleasantly surprised to see this little Lost Bear being surrounded by the work of other Dutch artists: Theo Huijgens, Lody van Dulken and Karin Rianne Westendorp as well as a lovely vintage seventies' photograph of her parents.

The result is a very nice, very intimate little gallery up there. One, I think this little brave Lost Bear will be very proud to call his new family now!
 
And I absolutely love it!

''EarthRocks & MoonSwings #35'': a brotherly wedding gift

Very proud to show this piece of Witty Art, a special commission for a special occasion: a wedding gift from one brother to another.

Buyer spotted my earlier created series of 'EarthRocks & MoonSwings' on this blog and figured that this display of galaxic bromance would the perfect gift to surprise his brother with on his wedding day. Only problem being, the drawings from the first series created back in 2012-2013 he had his eye on, had all been sold - so, what better motivation than to create a couple of new ones, especially for this occasion? 

So, I created a number of 11 new works in total, of which I showed a previous preview here on this blog. Ofcourse, I will display them all later in good order, but first, I wanted to share with you the one that turned out to be the buyer's choice. 

And as always, I was surprised, as Nr 35 was not the one I myself thought he would choose, but he and his wife admitted it was a difficult task, as they had fallen in love with all of these 11 new adventures of Little Earth and Little Moon. So, we agreed that they'd be back in January next year to choose another one, for themselves. 

Mind you, they have to exclude Nr 44, as that one is already picked by another buyer ;-)

For those of you who are struck with curiosity now, you will have to contain it somewhat longer, before I will post them all here. Or .. hasten yourself to my Instagram Profile (and follow me there, if you like) as I have already started posting them ''en groupe'' there!

Another 'Lost Bear' found a happy new home in the end!

Last night, I brought this little 'Lost Bear' ('Hey! Wanna Dance The Day Away?') to his happy new home, where a very proud new owner of Witty Art welcomed him warmly. Soon, I will hope to show a picture of this little ''lost and found one'' in his new surroundings! 

Bet he might even showing off some dance moves as well ;-) 

And, if you are interested, you can find more, many more 'Lost Bears' on this blog! Also, you can read here why he's basically perpetually glad to be unhappy!

''She Will... Always Be Your Mama'' in her happy new home - and that feels great!

My previous blogpost was dedicated to 'She Will Always Be Your Mama' moving to a happy new home. Very recently, I got the opportunity to see her on the wall of the proud new owner of this piece of Witty Art. And as always, that left me feeling extremely proud and grateful for people who show their support and apprecation of my work. By not just purchasing it for the sake of having to have it, but because they truly care about it.

And by showing they care, they are taking care of it, making sure it is displayed in the right way, in the right place. It's like a sense of belonging, somehow, and to me that matters a great, great deal.

You see, for a variety of reasons too personal to convey at this moment, or perhaps at any time at all, that feeling 'belonging' is a matter of great importance to me. In fact, I can safely say, it's one of the every present themes in Witty Art. 

Anyway, to know that my artwork belongs somewhere, makes me one happy artist, and all the more motivated to keep on creating more Witty Art!

'She Will... Always Be Your Mama' spotted and SOLD!

Just posting some random selection of work I created over the last two months - with one of the artworks pictured above even being sold without ever having been on display, except on Instagram, where it was spotted by a long-term Witty Art follower! Apparently, she had wanted to purchase one for a long time, but was never really able to make choice (a dilemma I've heard a lot of Witty Art fans going on about) - untill she saw this one: 

Now, this buyer is a devoted mother of two herself, and knowing the great pride and joy she takes in her kids and how protective she is of them, yet also carefully encouraging them to make their own mistakes and learn from it, slowly letting them out from underneath her wings, but always there and prepared to cover them up if need be - I can see why she was instantly drawn to this particular drawing. 

And yes, I did make this drawing with the echo of my own mother firmly in the background, an vivid image of the powerful bond between a mother and her child, as I myself, the youngest from a family of six, always knew and for always will know, that 'She Will Always Be MY Mama, no matter what...''.

So, I was one extremely happy and proud artist when I got to hand over this piece of Witty Art to its happy new owner, as this moment, for me, added a new layer to the drawing, a new chapter to its story. And from here, it will continue to grow even further. Well, who's the proud mama now, huh?

 

Witty Art has left Ani & Haakien after a well recevied one-month soloshow

 
Today was the very last day of my solo showcase at Hostel Ani & Haakien. A selection of Witty Art had been on the wall since the opening on September 15th and after just over a month, it was time to pick up my work and make way for new art selected by Pica Pica 010. 

Also, it's time to take the two 'Lost Bears' I sold during the opening, to their happy new homes, as I know their arrival is eagerly awaited for by their new owners. More of that, soon! 

I'd like to thank the following persons in particular: 
Ani & Haakien's Joyce Brouwer and Danielle Linscheer for their hospitality and kindness, as well as all other staff of absolutely the cosiest hostel in town, and naturally, a special mention for Diva Suzy La Cubanita! 
Marcel Kamphuis from Pica Pica010 for organising it all! 
Alrizki Marino for making such a spontaneous video interview
All those who came by and had a look at my artwork, including all guests of Ani & Haakien whom I had the pleasure of meeting and exchaging thoughts on art, creativity and life. 

THANK YOU ALL!

 

Exhibition at private art gallery Lijnbaan 140 ends after almost 3 months!

 

On October 9th, private gallery Lijnbaan 140 The Hague organised a small, but quaint and cosy closer of the group exhibtion that had been on display throughout all Summer, from July 3rd. So, nearly a full 3 months later, it was time for one last gathering of the participating artists. And still, quite some people took the opportunity to go and visit the artshow and had a good look at the art displayed, including mine. Again, that made for some good conversations and some nice new contacts.

I would like to thank owner Ellen Tuyn for all the great work she put into organising the exhibition (while running her own AirBnB at the same venue at the same time), the other participating artists for sharing their work with mine and all visitors having come and seen all of our work and Witty Art in particular!

The good thing is, she decided to keep some Witty Art herself by giving one of my precious 'Lost Bears' a loving new home - which marked the beginning of what eventually will be The Lijnbaan 140 Art Collection. And knowing Ellen's taste for good art, this will no doubt grow out to be one collection you might want to see for yourself, one day!

A spontaneous video 'shoot' resulted in a really nice video of my Witty Art opening!

So, what's even more cool about the opening of my work last night at Ani & Haakien, is that one of the hostel guests actually turned out to be one extremely talented film maker (and much more than that), Alrizki Marino, who made a very nice & neat little video of moi-myself, in front of my work. The result is really, really cool - and I am really, really pleased with it!

Another video I made for Ani & Haakien. This time, it's @mizzwitty and her exhibit here at the hostel! #Rotterdam #AmStudio

A video posted by Alrizki Marino (@rmith) on Sep 15, 2016 at 2:21pm PDT

Great opening at Ani & Haakien last night!

What a great opening it was, yesterday at Hostel Ani & Haakien. Perhaps not that busy, mainly due to the hot weather, but a perfect setting for a nice and cosy summer opening. And the people who showed up were all extremely interested in my work, which resulted some really touching conversations about my work and even two brandnew pieces sold!

Unfortunatley, due to traffic delays, one of the singer-songwriters that was scheduled to perform, could not make it, but the very talented Maria-Josephine made more than up for that. And there is nothing wrong with listening to some striking songs brought to life in a nice hostelgarden during a hot summer night.

And then there were two people who took the opportunity of getting some Witty Art of their own. First, my good friend and acclaimed 'citycreator & hospitality expert Leon Keekstra aka De Stadsbemoeial; and then one of my favourite Rotterdam theatremakers and directors, Irene Siekman both purchased a piece from the series 'Lost Bear'. And ofcourse, they had to strike a pose next their new prized possessions, soon to be handed over to them once the exhibition is over.

Some more people have expressed interest in wanting to see the exhibition, while it still on, so I hope many of you will come to visit the loveliest and funkiest Hostel in Town: Ani & Haakien, located in one of Rotterdams finest areas, The Oude Westen (just a five minute walk away from Rotterdam Central Station). The exhibition is still on until October 19th and the good news is, the hostel is open 24/7 ...

Many thanks to:
Pica Pica 010 / Marcel Kamphuis for organising it all
Hostel Ani & Haakien / Joyce Brouwer & Danielle Linscheer for their hospitality and a special thanks to Miss Suzy La Cubanita for being the most glamorous hostel kitty EVAH!
Maria Josephine for performing
Deborah van de Beld for, well, being you & all your support
My dear feline friend Lord Westenwind for getting his fur everywhere!
All of you who showed up to share this moment with me, thank you for your support & the great conversations!

More than ready for the opening of Witty Art at Hostel Ani & Haakien!

Last couple of days, I have been working pretty hard to get everything ready for the upcoming opening of my expo at Hostel Ani & Haakien. Which actually is this very night, tonight. So, you can imagine there's is quite a bit of the so-called 'infamous creative stress' involved ;-)

Anyway, so far I am really happy with how this showcase of my work turned out, especially as it offers both the more cartoonlike side of my work as well as the more surrealistic part of Witty Art.

After long deliberation, I finally opted to show a little series I never really had the opportunity of sharing during an exhibition before: ''Pin Bear Wizard'', from 2013. Featuring yet another brave little bear who has indeed been dealt some pretty bad cards by Life. He is accompanied by a somewhat sinister ''ScapeGoat-ish'' character, of which not even I am quite sure whether he is the bad guy or not. And me being me, and Witty Art being Witty Art, I like to pretty much leave that one open...

But, as you can see clearly, the style of drawing for ''Pin Bear Wizard'' is much more cartoonlike and much more colourful than the other work I selected for the exhbition. Series like ''Lost Bear' but also The Singles are much more surreal and dreamlike - though they all most definitely belong to the bizarre universe that Witty Art is made from.

All in all, I am really happy with how this selection highlights both sides of my work (and my world, for that matter). It's not that I favor one above the other, though I do like the how people sometimes have different perceptions of what Witty Art stands for. Is it cartoonart, figurative or even illustration art? Is is more autonomous, abstract even? 

Now, I am not one for labelling much, but sometimes doing so helps adding a bit of context. So, name or label it whatever you yourself feel like. Whatever feels good for you - and if you don't feel the need to name it anything at all, then that's just fine. All I am after, is that my work speaks to you and manages to strike a chord or two. That it evokes some kind of emotion. That it does not leaves you untouched. Whatever the emotion may be.

And, if does do anything for you at all, that is also fine by me. I just love for people to be honest with my work - as my work as about as brutally honest as I can get. In my work, there are no walls of social conventions to be upheld, no masks to hide behind, to pretence what so ever. It is what it is. And it is what I am. No more, no less. Just me, just Witty.

Working on the selection for my upcoming Witty Art Expo at Hostel Ani & Haakien!

Working on the selection of my upcoming exhibition at Hostel Ani & Haakien, which opens at Thursday, September 15h - which is in exactly one week from now. That means, just seven more days to determine which artworks I am going to show!

So, which will be ''The Chosen Ones''? To be honest, at this point, I have literally no idea. But the ones posted here today, are very, very likely candidates to be considered worthy of selection.

The coming days, I will post frequent updates of the selection progress on the eventpage on Facebook and, ofcourse, here on this blog as well.

Also, you can find all information on the ''where, when & what time'' on this blog too!

Both the exhibition and opening progamme are organised by Pica Pica 010, Rotterdam.

Expo opener at September 15th: Pasta, Music, Witty Art & One Cute PussyCat!

So, here's the teaser for my upcoming Witty Art solo showcase at one of Rotterdams coolest places, Hostel Ani & Haakien. The exhibition, organised by Pica Pica 010, will open at Thursday September 15 with live performances by two very talented singer-songwriters: Maria Josephine and Natalia Magdalena. Also present, Yours Truly Witty, ofcourse, but to be definitely out-glammed by the one an only diva of the evening, Ms Suzy La Cubanita! (Well, which human would be able outglam a gorgeous Maine Coon Pussycat anyway?)

So, all you music, art AND cat lovers, make sure you are present to enjoy it all, Thursday September 15th at the cosiest home-away-from-home, Hostel Ani & Haakien! You will find all the info you need to know below  the picture, which, in fact, shows some of the works I intend to be in this exhibition (then again, if you know me well, it might come as no surprise if I choose for a completey different selection all together... but there is still plenty of time to decide all that!)

Every third Thursday of the month Pica Pica presents live-music and a new exhibition on the walls at Hostel Ani & Haakien! During these nights, new Rotterdam musicians will mix with local artists. A unique evening not to be missed, so be there!

What
19:00 to 20:30 Vegan pasta dinner (€4,50)
20:30: Opening exhibition of Witty Art (including small presentation by Miss Witty herself)
21:00 to 21:30: (music)
21:45 to 22:15: (music)

Entrance: 
FREE! (except for the pasta dinner)

When?
The exhibition opens at September 15 and will run untill October 19th.
And the good news is; the hostel is open 24/7 so NO excuse for not going over there.

Where?
Hostel Ani & Haakien
Coolsestraat 47
3014 LC Rotterdam

Pica Pica
Well, Pica pica is latin for ''magpie''. The magpie is one of the most intelligent birds and is known for his passion for collecting striking glittering objects. Pica Pica Foundation aims to collect the most striking and newest places in different districts of Rotterdam and let them team up with independent artists and musicians from the city. (What's the bet a magpie of some sort will pop up in my work soon? ;-))

Hostel Ani & Haakien
Located in quiet street right in the middle of Downtown Rotterdam, this hostel is about as cosy and artsy as can be. Hostel Ani & Haakien is all about creating a sense of community and a “home away from home” on your travels. And they have got the most adorable hostelCAT ever!

More new Witty Art that will most likely go on show in September!

Here's a selection of possible candidates to go on show during the September-October artshow at Hostel Ani & Haakien, an event organised by Rotterdam foundation Pica Pica.

The timing of this exhibit could not have been more perfect, because I have been on a major drawing spree off late, fuelled by all kinds of new inspirations and visions - of all sorts. Ranging from a world in turmoil and the bizarre behaviour of the so called human species inhabiting it to feelings of more contemplative,and introspective kind. Like, a journey into the mind of one of the persons I know both best and least: myself.

The results of this latest drawing binge consist of smaller sized artwork, none of them bigger than approximately A5, which is great because it is the perfect format for showcasing this work at Hostel Ani & Haakien: a very cosy, slightly artsy and really intimate place with a undoubtedly international vibe. I checked out the venu earlier this week and the whole atmosphere is perfect for Witty Art to both blend it and stand out at the same time. Which is just the way I like it!

So, I am looking forward to finetuning my final selection for this upcoming exhibition, which opens on Thursday, September 2016. You van find all the information on the opening (which will include not only Witty Art, but live music and food as well!) here on this blog or on the Facebook-eventpage!

New Witty Art Expo coming up in September!

Another great opportunity for Witty Art, as my work will be on display for a whole month from September 15th untill October 19th, on a unique and central, international location in Downtown Rotterdam.

Every third Thursday of the month Pica Pica presents live-music and a new exhibition on the walls at Hostel Ani & Haakien! During these nights, new Rotterdam musicians will mix with local artists. A unique evening not to be missed, so be there!

What
19:00 to 20:30 Vegan pasta dinner (€4,50)
20:30: Opening exhibition of Witty Art (including small presentation by Miss Witty herself)
21:00 to 21:30: (music)
21:45 to 22:15: (music)

Entrance: FREE!

When?
The exhibition opens at September 15 and will run untill October 19th.
And the good news is; the hostel is open 24/7 so NO excuse for not going over there.

Where? 
Hostel Ani & Haakien
Coolsestraat 47
3014 LC Rotterdam 

Pica Pica
Well, Pica pica is latin for ''magpie''. The magpie is one of the most intelligent birds and is known for his passion for collecting striking glittering objects. Pica Pica Foundation aims to collect the most striking and newest places in different districts of Rotterdam and let them team up with independent artists and musicians from the city. (What's the bet a magpie of some sort will pop up in my work soon? ;-))

Hostel Ani & Haakien
Located in quiet street right in the middle of Downtown Rotterdam, this hostel is about as cosy and artsy as can be. Hostel Ani & Haakien is all about creating a sense of community and a “home away from home” on your travels. And they have got the most adorable hostelCAT ever! 

Succesful viewing of expo at Gallery Lijnbaan 140 last sunday!

Yesterday's exclusive viewing of private gallery Lijnbaan 140's exhibition proved to be quite a success, with an interested crowd of visitors showing up in the afternoon and even one piece of Witty Art sold! One of the new 'Lost Bear' drawings went to one extremely happy new owner that afternoon. Now that he's no longer lost, but found, we wish him all the best in his happy new home.

Viewers expressed a genuine interest in my artwork, asking a lot of questions and exchanging thoughts and ideas on the images and characters on display. Something, I always really enjoy, as I love listening to what others think of my work and how they perceive it. Some more viewers came dropped by later that afternoon and their response too, was very open and enthusiastic.

The exhibition can be seen during the whole month of July. Lijnbaan 140 opens up by appointment only, though, so in case you want to drop by, please give owner Ellen Tuyn a ring beforehand: 06-48275148. She will be more than happy to show you around in person.

The exact address is Lijnbaan 140 (naturally), Den Haag (The Hague). You can get there by public transport easily via HTM lines 2, 3 and 4, stop MC Westeinde.