Where-ever I walk, from now on there is a road. Lyrics from ¨Vandaag ben ik gaan lopen.¨ (Today I started walking.) Acda & de Munnik Like a scuba diver that feels the pressure of the water around him while deep-diving, in a large radius around me I felt the air become thick, filled with vibrant cells, eager to materialize. This force was so heavy that it could have smashed me; it did not crush me, because I also felt it inside of me. I had this experience when I just turned 33, right after I decided to attend the Academy of Arts. After 6 years of spiritual teachings at the Sufi centre in my town, which consisted of breathing exercises, rhythmic group movements and endlessly repeating mantras, these practices helped me to find the courage to quit my job, sell my house and take the leap of faith and become an artist. I use different materials and work both in 2D and 3D, preferably with humble materials and simple processes that leave the traces of the creation process visible. It is my ode to craftsmanship. In visual language I feel related to other Dutch artists and Dutch culture in general, which for me is characterized by conciseness and clarity. I connect with the NUL movement that opted for repetition, seriality and directness of everyday materials to express a moderate approach to the world. However my motivation is a more cheerful one, I prefer to see my work as a celebration, as an ode to life itself. It is my quest to search for essence and authenticity, hoping that observers can relate and connect intuitively. Water is an important re-occurring element in my work as it is my main spiritual element and returns frequently in my dreams to guide me. During my time with the Sufi´s I learned the power of working with the elements and rhythm. The references to water in literature, history, and different cultures are endless. All over the world water is referred to as the element of transformation, purification and healing, as a basic element of life itself. Personally I relate with the quote of martial artist Bruce Lee; ¨Be Water, My Friend¨: "Be Water, My Friend. Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water.¨ Via the philosophy of Gung Fu (Kung Fu) this quote refers to the profound concept of ¨Wu Wei¨ which roots in Chinese Taoism. It is the principle of action in non-action. It calls upon being without resistance, flowing with life and let nature work with you. As a result you will accomplish goals more effortlessly. Water, rhythm, these experiences, my life journey in general, it all serves as the inspiration for my art practise. It resembles how I move around obstacles and still follow my own distinct path, it appears while I am walking it.