Workshops and activities

How do you break through thinking about 'us versus them'? It is human nature to want to categorize the world around us, to put things in place, and find a place for ourselves: How do I relate to the world around me and to others? Do I fit in or do I stand out? And the people I encounter, where do they stand?

Because of my Dutch-Filipino background, I have long been interested in the subject of 'belonging'. I grew up in the Netherlands and always identified as Dutch, as the 'us'. But was that correct? And who are 'they' in this scenario? Over the years I have discovered that society, and how we fit together, is more complex and more beautiful than this distinction.

My painting series is inspired by a quote from John Green: “There is no them, there are only facets of us.” With this I hope to inspire myself and others to look at people around us in a colorful and diverse way. I am also looking for more ways to weave my own individuality into my art. The coloured shell frames that I make are made from Capiz, a traditional Filipino craft material.

Ik word er blij van om door middel van schilderen en creatieve ideeën de wereld om mij heen steeds een beetje mooier te maken. Met de kerst doe ik dit al jaren door het bouwen van een 'kerstboekenboom' om zo mijn liefde voor boeken op een unieke manier tentoon te stellen. In samenwerking met de Bibliotheek Utrecht heb ik er in december 2022 en 2023 één gebouwd waar iedereen van kan meegenieten! 

Wil je graag thuis je eigen boom maken? Met een boom van boeken maak je de levensloop van papier weer helemaal rond dus als je nog op zoek bent naar een duurzame kerstboom en je houdt van lezen dan nodig ik je van harte uit om zelf ook mee te doen! Ik heb instructies gemaakt die je hier kan vinden.

I enjoy making the world around me a little more beautiful through painting and creative ideas. For years during Christmas I have done this by building a 'Christmas book tree' to showcase my love for books in a unique way. In December 2022 and 2023 I built one collaboration with the Utrecht Library, so everyone can enjoy it!

Would you like to make your own tree at home? With a tree made of books you complete the lifecycle of paper, so if you are still looking for a sustainable Christmas tree and you are a book lover, I heartily invite you to participate yourself! I have made instructions that you can find here.