Name: Nicolien Beerens
Age: 25
Country: The Netherlands
Places Travelled & Place lived: I’ve been to Los Angeles, Hollywood, Amsterdam, Utrecht & San Francisco, to name a few cultural places where I’ve found inspiration for my art. There are several museums in Leiden and Haarlem (Dutch cities) which I like to visit several times a year.
Loves: Art, philosophy, 6th to 19th century history, museums, music, pencils, studying.
Teachers/Education: Autodidact
Occupation: Artist
Creative Works: Facebook and Deviant Art
Quote: “I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process.” – Vincent van Gogh
What would one find in the pages of your Paperblanks journal?
My Paperblanks journal contains descriptions and colour schemes that I use for my drawings. Using this method, I know exactly which techniques and supplies I have used for my (coloured) pencilwork. It’s a great reference. When I can’t recall what colour, brand or supplies I used for my drawings, I just open my Paperblanks journal that holds all my notes.
Do you have any personal philosophies you’ve developed about writing, art, creation or culture?
I like to make a statement with some of my artworks and writings, while other works were merely created to express my love for the craft (which is in most cases pencil drawing.) For example, with coloured artworks I want to make the viewer understand that unconditional love is not about what people are, but who they are. With exceptions being made, I think any form of beauty can be found within most of us. And that is something I would like to show with my art.
Do you have any specific themes you find that you refer back to in your work?
Apart from my regular portraits and sketches, I like to play with themes such as social equality, beauty, emotion and understanding. I also like to work with Renaissance techniques, especially sketching and miniature drawing!
No matter what type of creative art you make, what or who first inspired you to make it an essential part of your life?
My mother. She made me realize the importance of art and encouraged me to develop as an artist by letting me play with her most expensive art supplies from a young age.
How did you find Paperblanks?
My first Paperblanks journal was given to me as a gift by a dear friend. It was an Embellished Manuscript and the design was Mozart, The Hunt. I fell in it love with it and haven’t looked back since!
What sets Paperblanks apart from other journals you’ve used?
Paperblanks allows you to feel connected to other artists, past and present. The designs are sublime, and the quality of the paper is fantastic. I have used several kinds of journals from different brands, but so far Paperblanks is definitely among my top favourites!
Do you have a favorite Paperblanks design?
I think the all look equally great, but if I really have to choose I would go for the Shakespeare, Van Gogh and Mozart editions. These three artists are my biggest inspirations.
Do you have any advice for other creative people?
No matter how skilled or creative you are, art should always be considered as useful. It does not only let you to open your mind and let go of your ideas, it also allows the viewer to take a peek into your creative mind.
Art is useful, no matter its quality or form, as long as you enjoy doing it. Never let anyone tell you that your art isn’t good enough. Art matters.
perfecto! me gusta mucho cómo dibujas, los colores.
Dear Nicolien,
I am a filmmaker from Kurdistan, and I have a proposal for you. I am making two long documentary feature films about the Kurds and their history.
If you agree, your contribution will be drawing in pencil detailed events, which I will describe as well as supply photographs as supporting material. You can draw yourself as one of the characters in the story, thus immortalize yourself in history. There will be around 1500 drawings for both films. More is better. You can participate in one or both. It is up to you. There are around 15 main characters each of which has his, her own life story. Each artist will be responsible for that character’s life story alone unless the artist selected to do more than one storyline. The drawings are yours, your copyright, have full ownership of them, and you can do anything with them. I only need their large scans/or photo of 30-50mb each. You can set the camera to RAW, highest quality. Some images maybe filmed very close up, so the larger the scan the better. You are credited with the drawing.
I have no money to pay you, but you can attend the film festivals which it participates in on my behalf, and do any interview with the media. With such quality of drawings I will apply for the Cannes film festival, or Berlinale. If there is any money made from the sale of the film, if it is sold in any form or shape, I want you to consider your conditions and percentages before we start, and what we agree on will be final. There might be more than one brilliant artist involved as there are 15 storylines in both films. While Da Vinci and Michael Angelo Antonioni were immortal on walls and sculptures, you will be on film. Become immortal.
You can view some of my documentaries on the link below:
https://vimeo.com/search?q=shein+mezour
Burning For Love is now at the Sun and Sand Music and Film Festival in Biloxi USA.
Kind regards
Shein Mezour
Kurdistan (currently filming IS atrocities)
+964 750 346 5630
sheinmez@yahoo.com.au