Tell us what defines you as a person.

That's quite a difficult question, as I don't think there's one single thing that 'defines' me as a person. I think the main thing is that I try to treat people the same way I'd like for them to treat me, with respect, honesty...
I'm also incredibly curious and I want to know how everything works, from seeing a crochet plushie (that actually got me to teach myself how to crochet) to try figuring out how people think, how the human mind works. I'm too curious for my own good, haha.

How did you found out about deviantART and why did you join the community?

I found out about deviantART when a friend of mine had his URL in his MSN name around 8 years ago. I clicked it and I liked what I saw, so I joined without realizing that I'd stick around for so long!

When and how did you discover your passion for art?

I often get this question asked and I can't really answer, 'cause I don't remember. There wasn't just one single moment where I realized 'hey, I like doing this' or something. I used to write a lot of poems when I was younger, even before the age of 12, but I also took photographs already back then. I've been into digital art for a while, but when I didn't get the results I wanted it has been put on the backburner (or off the stove completely really, haha). I don't really remember when I got my first camera, but I bought my first 'real' camera when I was around 14 or 15, I think. Photography has always been a huge part of my life, because I grew up with family and friends that always had everything photographed. Over the years I just realized this is what I like to do most of all and I often get compliments, so it also might be something I'm actually good at, although I don't always think that way myself


What inspires you the most and when do you think your creativity is at its maximum?

Nature, most definitely. I love nature, I've always loved nature. My parents always took me outside and when we went on holidays we went camping. I've always had a special thing for water and we usually were close to creeks, lakes, oceans or seas. I could walk for hours through forests, but I can also sit and watch waves for hours. Nature inspires me most because the littlest things I love are part of nature, but the biggest things I love are also nature. Nature's everywhere and she's beautiful.

What do you think you'd be doing if you hadn't chosen this path?

Probably something else which involves being creative. Like I mentioned above, I taught myself how to crochet and how to make plushies. I could probably do a lot more with that if I'd invest the time I spend on photography on crochet and writing patterns. Photography is my passion, crochet is my hobby. I'd like to see it that way.

What do you think it's your most meaningful deviation and what makes it special? Does it have a story behind it?

I had to think about this a bit. I often get the question which one of my deviations my favorite one would be, but never the most meaningful.
I think it's this one, Rigor Mortis. It's far from my most popular deviation and it's not a 'positive' personal favorite, but it's definitely my most meaningful deviation because of the story behind it. It's not in the description because I didn't want the story to overshadow the photograph. I was in a very bad place in my life back then, and I realized that wasn't where I wanted to stay at. I needed to close it off and I think this shot, combined with the title, gave me something that at the time felt like closure.


Do you have any insecurities regarding your art?

Oh, god yes. Ever since I studied at the Dutch School for Photography for a short while, I pay much more attention to composition, light, rule of thirds, subjects, background, etc. Maybe too much. It's hard for me to really like the photographs I make. When I realized this, I 'froze'. I couldn't even pick up my camera for months, almost a year. Why would I, if I didn't like the results anyway? The community actually made me realize that being your own biggest critic isn't necessarily a bad thing. It makes me want to improve myself, learn more, get better. It's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to retry something. It's okay to try new things. How can you be good at something if you've never tried it?

Did art ever helped you to deal with your life problems?

Very much! It hasn't always been photography, but when I was younger my poems really helped me out. Later on it grew to be photography. Sometimes I need to get out of the house, go to the beach or a forest, bring my camera and walk. I sometimes don't even get my camera out of my bag, but it clears my mind.
I can 'vent' with my photographs, I don't always need words. I try to capture certain moods in my photographs and I'm proud when I succeed.

What is the one thing you always wanted to do but never got a chance to?

Visit the countries on my endless list of 'countries to visit' and 'places to go to'. Who knows, maybe some day!


A few words for our fellow artists?

Never give up. If you feel like you have a writers block, don't feel like taking your camera out of the bag; do it anyway. If you feel your art isn't good enough; try again. Learn. Get better. And be proud when you nailed it!