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!

Lost and now found: another 'Lost Bear' off to a happy new home!

More wandering Witty Art found its way to a happy new home off late!And when I say ''wandering'', how can it be anything else than one of those ever wandering, glad to be unhappy ''Lost Bears''? Well, sure enough, here is another one of them little brave bears who managed to get himself a very a nice warm and happy new home. 

My dear friend Leon Keekstra, food and hospitality expert and a qualified barista trainer as well and in my home town Rotterdam also known as 'De Stadsbemoeial' (self-acclaimed City Meddler) spotted this little fellow ''Just Merrily Holding On'' during the opening of my autumn exhibition at Hostel Ani & Haakien last september. And he just to have it, so bought right there and then. 

It took a while, but the other day I was finally able to bring his very own piece of Witty Art to him - and as you can see on the picture below, he was ever so glad to receive it. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that his house will be the most welcoming for this once Little 'Lost Bear'!

''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!

 

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 Witty Art moved to a happy new home!

Sold these two pieces of Witty Art quite a while ago. Here they are on display at their very happy new owner's home: ''Never Know, Not Again'' (left) and ''Pleased To Meet You #3'' (right). Both drawings were shown at the Pop Up Expo ''Maak Het Mee'', early 2015 and were purchased right there and then by its new owner.

It's always a great feeling to see my work on display at their forever homes! Check this page to see more Witty Art decorating people's homes or offices.

SOLD: Witty Art series 'Crawl On The Catwalk'

Created towards the end of 2014, it got showcased for the first time during this summer's Pop Up Expo at Entrepothaven Area, Rotterdam. And it found a new home straight away, as the whole series so far has been picked up by one and the same, very enthusiastic new owner.

My series 'Crawl On The Catwalk', for now consisted out of five drawings. They were inspired by a documentay about the French fashion house Lanvin and his extraordinary designer Alber Elbaz.

Several Witty Art Work got sold during succesful pop-up expo

So far, so good: our Pop Up Expo proved to be quite succesfull up untill now, at least for me, as some Witty Art Works changed hand and will move to their new owners soon! And that always is something to be happy about - and to be proud of!

'H.U.R.T. #8' on display at its new home!

A while ago, 'H.U.R.T. #8' moved to its very proud new owners' home. Last weekend, during a small but nice art party at her place, I was able to take these two pictures. Must confess that to me at least, the whole setting, the lack of lightning, the placing of the roses-sculpure/light in the front, it all provided a dramatic effect that only highlights (and not just literally speaking) the dark world these UnBunnies live in.

I do like the many different ways that buyers of my work come up with to display their Witty Art. If you are curious, please click here to see more.

New page online: impressions of Witty Art at their owner's place

And, in addition to my previous post about the newly added page 'People About Witty Art', I have also updated this blog with another one, entitled 'Witty Art at Your Place'. This page contains pictures (of various quality, some are quick snapshots, others were taken especially for the occasion) of Witty Art at their new owner's places. In their homes, their (home)offices, their stores or otherwise.

It really makes me proud to see how many Witty Art works have already found their way to new homes. And, even more, to see how happy they make their new owners. Had I not already suffer from a bad, bad case of 'GottaDraw', then this would have been all the encoragement I need to never ever stop creating my art.

Another two Witty Art Works moved to a happy new home!

Another two Witty Art Works moved to an extremely happy new owner last week! Both works, entitled 'There Is No Such Thing As Easy Growing Pains' and 'Tails of Irreconcilable Differences #11' (about which you can read more here) were created during the Live Witty Art Session at Desk & Dish, last December.

Happy tweet by happy new Witty Art Owner

And here is one Happy Tweet from one extremely happy new Witty Art owner! Congratulations, Michèle van de Craats with 'Willow Minnows #3'!

Happy handover of Witty Art as 'Willow Minnows #3' moves to a new home!

A couple of days ago, I took my art work 'Willow Minnows #3' to Desk & Dish to hand over to its happy new owner, my fellow creative entrepreneur and one of D&D's owners, Michèle van de Craats. Signed, sealed, delivered, this Witty Art Work is now officially and totally hers!

 

Naturally, the official handover and the signing of the necessary paperwork was accompanied by some fine Cava and nibbles, as Desk & Dish is all about quality hospitaliy while at work!

SOLD: Two-piece ''Looking Out For Nr One'' will move to a happy new home!

Today, I am extremely proud and happy to share with you all, that someone fell in love with my twopiece 'Looking Out For Nr One #1 & #2'. In fact, she fell in love so much with this twopiece, that she just had to buy it!

For those who do not know the origins of this particuliar two-piece: it was created especially for the ''Art Olympiad'', organised by the Rotterdam Centre for the Arts during the summer of 2012, the time of the Olympics in London. The theme of this art contest was 'victory'. As Witty Art is all about 'the other side of the medal', this time, almost literally, I looked at the downside of winning. More than often, the glorious victory comes at a very high price. 

So, I came up with ''Looking Out For Nr One'', a two-piece consisting of two drawings created with ink and watercolour: ''#1 Weigh Me Down'' and ''#2 Hung Up On You''. Both drawings show, in typical Witty Art style, how the most wanted glittering prize can become an unbearable burden.

When creating these two drawings, I was directly inspired by the story of Matti Nykänen, perhaps the greatest ski jumping champion of all time, the boy who people believed could fly through the sky, collecting European, World- and Olympic gold medals by the dozens. His story is that of an athlete unable to cope with success, of a sporting legend who, after his sporting days had ended, only made the headlines because of his alcohol abuse, four consecutive divorces, money troubles and even a new career as a stripper.

Apparently, I managed to get the meaning across just right, as ''Looking Out For Nr One #1: Weigh Me Down'' was elected the winner of the Art Olympiad. Now, this is something I am really proud of, especially since one of the jury members was Dutch athlete, Nelli Cooman, former European and World Champion 60 meter indoor during the second part of the '80's and the first part of the '90's. For someone like her, an acclaimed former top athlete, to see and recognize the meaning of this particular work, means a lot to me.