more about maud
interview (2017)
What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The best thing about my work is for me that I can do what I want most in my life and that is to occupy myself with art. That is my idea of happiness! In my opinion everyone should search for that in life. Making choices that lead to whatever you want to do most. In that way you actually never really work and everything is on the flow. This makes me happy, It is a way of life.
What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that people will conform to each other more and more and thus loose themselves. That they will not feel anymore who they really are and in that way harden without realising that. That subtlety of the refined individual, who we all are us human beings, vanishes. And that art therefor becomes unnoticed or gets pushed aside. That one has to shout, each time louder, to get heard. While in the mean time it is silence and finesse what it’s all about. I am however happy to see that there is also a countermovement in more and more people wanting to be inspired.
What the trait is that I most deplore in myself?
That is the very trait that I most deplore and in the mean time appreciate in myself… It is that enormous sensitivity, not to be confused with sentiment and tenderness, but more tuning in and sensing. Because of that characteristic I inspire myself but it can also be confusing and make me doubt. In the course of my life I learn to deal with it more consciously, but I always have to keep paying attention!
Which living persons in my profession I most admire?
I do not really have any idols or specific examples of people in my profession that I mirror myself at or that I get inspired by. Of course I am always very interested in other artists and in the way they express their vision in their form art. I worship those artists most who show their vulnerability and sensitivity in art.
What my greatest extravagance is?
That would be handing myself totally over to complete silence, to depth but also to doubt
and vulnerability. To what I previously saw as an escape from reality and now feel as a mission. Excessively not trying just to be in this world without escaping but to live right in it and to create for this world.
On what occasion would I lie?
Lying is an escape and also an opportunity. I think you only get chances when they apply to you
at that moment. If not, you would never succeed. So there is no reason to lie. Besides, I always get confused when telling the wrong stories or pretexts and then forget what I had said and thus I get caught. :-)
What thing I dislike most in my work?
That is the fact that I am never sure about my income, but in the mean time I know that, because of that, I have achieved a sense of great freedom and responsibility.
When and where I was the happiest, in my work?
That’s an easy one, because I am happy when I can paint and that is almost every day. Even when I lack inspiration. The fact that I am allowed to create in this life: painting, drawing, photographing, exhibiting, visiting museums, teaching… all this makes me a happy and a satisfied human being.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I see every day as a trip on my path of life. A learning-process where I have to take obstacles. There are always changes in my life as well as on my canvas, every day again. By thoroughly listening to myself and watching the canvas, I see what I can change in myself as well as on the canvas, or to leave it that way because it is unchangeable. This is all a matter of synchronicity.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I could mention all kind of successes in my life as an artist. But performance blocks you and forces you to improve yourself time after time. That is what this whole world is all about. For me however, in art it is not about performance. Performing is a
huge stumbling block, a blockade!
Where would I most like to live?
I have a strong affinity with India and Iran. But mostly I like to live there where I can create, where I am free and can be myself.
My most treasured possession?
That is definitely is my soul.
My most marked characteristic?
That's what people see in me and that again depends on who it says… I can’t tell, because I am looking outwards from the inside. And when I look from the outside at myself, I see an artist who tries to look at herself through art and every time she tries to get closer to herself.
The most inspirational location in my city
That is my own studio. There I can be myself and there I meet all sorts of worlds, every day again.
My favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
That place is a restaurant where they cook clean and tasty. Above all the food must be feelingly and nicely arranged like an piece of art. Food must be as a journey: unexpected and delightful. Restaurant “De Saeck” in Breda was such a place.
What books influenced my life and how?
Books that influenced my life are art- and art-historical books about a style of art or about an artists. I hardly ever read literature, or it has to be a real-life story about a special person or happening.
My favourite writer?
I do not really have a favoucrite writer. I consider it important That they are close with painters or other artists and write with respect about them.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Whole periods I paint on the same music, which can vary. At this moment I often listen to piano-music of Philip Glass played by Jeroen van Veen. If this would be my last day, I would probably listen to that music now.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction and in real life?
You should be your own heroine, in fiction and in reality. That is still quite a big thing for me!
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Koyaanisqatsi! At this time I often listen to the music of Philip Glass. His music can also be heard in the film Koyaanisqatsi which I find very impressive. The combination of his music and the pictures in his film keep coming back to my mind.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art plays one of the most important roles in my life. Each day is an art-day and when I am not in my studio to paint I am still thinking about creating.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My partner Bert is my greatest fan and my partner in crime. He lives with me along as an artist and he knows all the obstacles, worries and doubts as an artist. He also knows the hard work but also my successes and great happiness that I can experience.
Whom would I like to work with next year?
I would like to work with myself again, closer to myself than ever.
Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2017?
People who can inspire me in a surprising way. Who can show me other worlds so I can keep on growing.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on?
That is the always ongoing project: “Maud the artist”.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
My next exhibition is in Belgium in Antwerp in gallery stuARTloft where I exhibit from 26-03 till 23-04-2017, but also on my websites.
What do the words "Passion Never Retires" mean to me?
To be an artist in all its facets...