UNTAMED

Who is Bob?

That will become clear through the interview.

How did you get into art and how did your career as an artist begin?

When I was about 9 years old, I became fascinated by the artwork of various bands, as well as the covers of the VPRO magazine. As a child, I also collected flyers and packaging that visually appealed to me. I kept them in little boxes to peek into from time to time.

Who are your biggest influences in art and in life?

It’s hard to name specific people, but in terms of art, I often look at folkloric art from various parts of the world. The names of those artists are often unknown—and that’s not the point. It’s about the intention behind the imagery. In many of these traditions, there’s a drive to create something that supports mythology or nature in a certain way. As a result, the work often has little to do with the real world. It feels like those creators knew they could never surpass nature with their pencils and brushes, so they turned inward and looked for shapes that emotionally aligned with their own experience of nature.

What emotions or themes do you explore most in your work?

I explore the human relationship with nature and how that connection has become distorted.

How do you get inspired?

That’s different every time, but generally I keep a visual archive, where—just like in the past—I collect and paste images. I see these visuals as lanterns that light up a world I can explore. Think of them as lighthouses in a vast dark space...

Was there a defining moment when you knew you wanted to become an artist?

No, at some point you just realize it's the only thing you do—and that you can live from it. But also that you need it to live.

What is a question you wish people would ask about your work—but never do?

People should ask fewer questions and describe more. Maybe they could ask: “Can I tell you what I see in it?”

If your art could speak, what would it say about you?

I hope the same thing I would say about the artwork: it's merely an expression of my internal world...

What emotion do you hope people feel when they see your work?

I hope people feel powerful when they see my work...

Do you sometimes find your creative process challenging?

Yes, it can be very intimidating. But with the years comes more confidence.