A BIT ABOUT ME
Art is one of my greatest loves. It has been ever since I was a child. It is my way of 'capturing moments,' holding onto precious memories in my life, and making sense of the world around me. It allows me to give meaning to my experiences and share them with others.
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Growing up, I spent much of my youth abroad, living in England, France, Kenya, and Spain. Now, I reside in my 'home country' of the Netherlands where I work as an architect and artist.
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From a young age, I was sketching and painting. In art class at my international school in England, I was taught about different materials, techniques, and how to find inspiration for my work. One important lesson that has stuck with me is to always carry a sketchbook to record ideas. To this day, I still do. My sketchbooks go with me everywhere. They are my most precious possessions, holding so many of my cherished memories.
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For me, art is a way of staying grounded and present. Whether I'm drawing in my sketchbook, working on a piece, or simply appreciating the works of others, art pulls me out of my 'to-do' mode. I often find myself caught up in the hustle of everyday life. Art has the unique effect of calming me while also filling me with energy.
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In my sketchbooks, I'm always trying to capture moments - not the big ‘breaking news' kinds, but the small, seemingly insignificant, everyday stories. This practice helps me appreciate the simple things, slowing down to notice the beauty in the everyday things around me. It's a theme that often finds its way into my work.
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When I returned to live in the Netherlands to study design, I began taking oil painting classes and found an amazing teacher, Lux Buurman, an expert in 17th-century painting techniques. This era of the old Dutch Masters fascinates me - not just the techniques used in painting at the time, but also the themes in the paintings themselves, such as still lifes, memento mori, and other symbolism. Using these techniques is a time-consuming process, but for me, it serves as a form of meditation.
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I hope you enjoy my art as much as I enjoy creating it. I would love for it to appear in all sorts of diverse and eclectic interiors, enhancing a space, sparking conversations, and maybe even serving as a reminder to stay in the moment, as it does for me. But most of all, I hope my works deeply resonate with you and leave a lasting impression.
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Suzanne
Once a painting is done the last thing remaining is to add my signature
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SJMB
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Suzanne, my first name
Joeke, my second name (also my mothers nickname)
Mackay, my married name (my husband has Scottish roots)
Beek, my maiden name