We are delighted to be sharing a story on Irene de Klerk Wolters. She lives in Copenhagen with her husband and sons in their sun soaked apartment, filled with her gorgeous paintings. Irene’s work is contemporary and yet timeless, rich in texture and evocative of a kind of tranquility. In her own words, “I paint in the belief that my paintings can change the atmosphere without dominating the space. Hopefully my work reflects my joy and love for painting. My wish is that my paintings make people happy.” Her paintings certainly makes us feel that joy and love, as does her carefully curated pastel instagram which serves as a work of art in and of itself.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate, sensitive and creative.
What initially drew you to painting?
I have always painted as long as I can remember, not so much the drawing but more the playing with colors. For a long long time is was just a ‘thing’ I did in my free time, I never ever thought of being a real ‘painter’.
What is your creative process like? Is it different for your painting than your photography?
Photography for me is something that catches my eye or I have an image in my head and make it come true. I am always watching, observing and looking for that something special, the way a person is sitting, or dressed, the colors of nature, the light .. always the light.
Painting feels more ‘demanding’ because I have to create myself.. it’s not there yet. Not even in my head. It’s a choice of color and for me also an expression of my feelings.
But it’s all visual.. and about proportions.
Where is home for you?
Home...has many meanings to me.
My home country is the Netherlands. And I can’t imagine this will ever change. My home house is this apartment where we are staying and which I loved from the moment I walked in. Of course my family makes it to my real home but not every place you live feels like a blanket which you want to have around you. This apartment is my blanket and my family is under it.
What inspires you?
Images, all and everything around me...all I see whenever, wherever I am.
What advice would you offer to your younger self?
Ooh.. so many advices...but that’s exactly the thing isn’t it .. you live, you experience you learn..
I would say... don’t worry so much but be present. All passes so so quickly. All the periods in your life, even the hard ones, try to live in the moment and to live it consciously.
Especially now I have lost my dad I realize it so so much..
When I was a little girl, becoming a student, starting to work, getting pregnant, first baby..moving houses, countries. So much happens in such a short time. You better live your life and be present.
What are you dreaming of?
Having my family around me, healthy and ‘happy’.
And yes .. one day living in a house with a view on the sea/lake & apple trees would be my super dream.. with the same family. Of course.
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