Anouk Bikkers Artist Statement:
When I am working (whether on paper, canvas, or stone), and the energy
begins to flow freely, sometimes I dissolve into the moment and time
disappears, that’s when I am most filled with contentment and
purpose.
I love animals. I’m forever inspired by their innate beauty, by how
they can make me laugh at the same time as filling me with awe and
respect for their very existence. It is these qualities that I aim
to reflect in my work.
For many years I’ve preferred using pencil - graphite and colour. I
enjoy the sensitivity these tools offer. Drawing on a litho stone
also allows for subtle and detailed work with the added element of the
stone’s unique surface grain. Recently I’ve been working with oils.
I’m blown away by their vibrancy and texture, their pliable, fluid and
forgiving nature.
Ten years ago I met my dog, Meisje, a seven week old puppy tucked away in
the corner of a dingy cage in a Los Angeles shelter. It was love at
first sight and we’ve been inseparable ever since. She is my
favourite subject, from loose cartoon-like drawings to fully rendered
portraits, she provides endless ideas and is an accommodating model.
My new series of paintings are of Meisje the Yoga Dog. I think it’s
funny and I had a blast doing it.
I intend to expand on this idea with future paintings. There are
almost as many yoga postures as there are creatures out there. I
will continue to fill my canvases with them...
