Extended Bio

My artistic journey, shaped by a life of global nomadism and complex cultural experiences, reflects a relentless pursuit of truth about humanity’s essence—beyond ego, belief systems, and societal facades.

I was born in Kumi, Uganda, in 1975, as one of four children to Dutch parents working for a Christian foundation treating leprosy patients and combating its social stigma. My formative years were spent in Ethiopia, the United States, and the Netherlands, immersing me in vastly different worlds and perspectives. However, this diverse upbringing was not without its challenges, particularly during a three-year period in the U.S., where I was deeply affected by the indoctrination of Jimmy Swaggart’s Pentecostalism. This experience instilled internal conflict and a lingering sense of alienation.

After returning to Ethiopia and later relocating to the Netherlands, I faced significant cultural adjustments. Struggling with language barriers and the aftereffects of constant upheaval, I was placed in a school for children with learning challenges at age 13. Though the label carried stigma, this period marked a turning point as I began to channel my emotions into creative expression.

At age 12, while still in Ethiopia, I received a set of oil paints—a gift that became a lifeline. Painting, particularly self-portraits, became my refuge and a means to explore my identity and place in the world. By my late teens, I began traveling extensively, exploring Israel, Nepal, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Volunteering and creating murals allowed me to connect with diverse communities, deepening my understanding of art’s universal power to inspire and unite.

In 2000, I briefly attended the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague but soon realized I preferred the autonomy of self-directed learning. Specializing in portraiture, I took on commissions while experimenting with various subjects, materials, and techniques. Despite my passion, self-promotion proved challenging, so I balanced art with other roles.

From 2008 to 2018, I worked in social services and youth advocacy in the Netherlands. These roles profoundly influenced my artistic lens, offering deep insights into human vulnerability and resilience. During this time, my curiosity about the human form led me to study sports and integrative massage, further enriching my understanding of anatomy and movement, which I incorporated into my art.

Art has always been my way of processing life’s challenges and celebrating the uniqueness of individuals. However, oil painting became tied to a past I sought to transcend. Discovering sculpture offered a liberating new medium. The tactile, three-dimensional nature of this art form enabled me to explore the human experience in new ways, breaking through old creative blockages and adding depth to my work.

Since 2018, I have embraced a nomadic lifestyle with my husband, Shaun, living in Guernsey, Cyprus, and Portugal. These experiences have further enriched my artistic perspective. As we plan our next chapter, we are working towards establishing a permanent home and dedicated creative studio—an anchor for future artistic and personal growth.