When your story becomes art

Rembrandt did it, Michelangelo too, as did Handel and countless other artists - working on commission.

For centuries, it was common to mark special moments by commissioning an artist. Whether it was to celebrate, remember, or simply immortalize a unique moment, until around the 19th century, artists worked almost exclusively on commission.

During that time, views on art changed. The focus shifted away from classical rules, with the inner processes of both the artist and the viewer becoming important.

Only since then have artists primarily become their own clients, making what they want to make.

As an artist, I love that autonomy, creating what I want to create, but I’m also a 'sucker' for that age-old tradition. I find it an enriching and sharpening experience to immerse myself in someone’s personal story and then bring it to life through my art.

In recent years, I’ve been doing this more and more - diving into other people’s stories and moments. Each time, it's an intense process where I translate those stories into meaningful images, giving them back in a way where people feel truly seen.

Working this way brings me immence joy. And just as many beautiful connections and moments of growth. With these personal portraits, I bring together the best of both worlds: a work of art that stands on its own, autonomous, but also deeply connected to the client - a drawing that’s personal and custom-made. Specially for you or a loved one.

For this work, I raised a glass of celebratory bubbles with two thrilled clients in front of the piece I created especially for them, and I knew: I want more of this. So, here I am, sharing this with you and asking: how do you celebrate a special moment?

We take photos or videos of special moments. At best, there’s a photo album... But the most cherished moments are the stories we hold onto and pass down. Stories of overcoming something, gaining an insight that guides us, rising after difficult times, or finding the courage to walk a new path. Because we are proud and want to celebrate something that feels timeless.

Those are the moments I’d love to capture. For you!