At the end of this year, I experienced two exhibitions almost back to back.
Amsterdam, then Bahrain.
Two very different places, cultures, energies — and yet, deeply connected.

Physically, it was intense.
I came back exhausted… and with a bad cold, which was probably my body’s way of saying: slow down.
I give a lot, naturally. Presence, attention, emotion. And while I truly love meeting people through my work, this kind of openness also draws deeply on my energy.

I’m an introvert by nature.
I recharge in silence, alone, in the studio — with the horse as a quiet, grounding presence.
Exhibitions are the opposite of that space: they are full, vibrant, social. Beautiful… but demanding.

Both shows were curated by Paardverzameld, under the thoughtful and sensitive eye of Joyce, who brought together a group of artists with great care — not only for the quality of the work, but also for the human dimension behind it.
That intention was deeply felt, in Amsterdam as well as in Bahrain.

In Amsterdam, at the Dutch Equine Art Fair, the exchanges were precise, attentive, often very emotional.
People took time. They stood in front of the paintings, sometimes in silence, sometimes with tears in their eyes.
Those moments of face-to-face — between the viewer and the horse — are the reason I paint.

Bahrain was another world.
Different rhythms, different codes, a strong sense of hospitality and curiosity.
I travelled there alongside Tony O’Connor, Matthew Seed, Mirelle Vegers and Fefa Koroleva.
What started as a professional journey quickly became something more.

We formed a truly kind and supportive group.
Real conversations, mutual respect, shared experiences — and friendships were born.
It was a beautiful discovery to realise that business and friendship don’t have to be separate worlds.
They can coexist, nourish each other, and make the whole experience richer and more meaningful.

These exhibitions reminded me of something essential:
showing work is not just about visibility.
It’s about connection.
Between cultures, between artists, and between the viewer and the horse.

Now, I am back in my quiet space.
Resting.
Painting again.
Letting the energy settle.

And feeling deeply grateful — for these encounters, for this trust, and for the horses who continue to guide my work, wherever it is shown. 🧡