Erik Meijer
Erik moved to Deer Isle in March 2024 with his American wife. He first built a studio in his garden and started painting in the summer. Erik started drawing at an early age. Anything in his surroundings could be a subject for a drawing. Everything starts with a sketch. He makes drawings or quick paint sketches from nature, for still life’s and portraits. He says that drawing is like sports training, to get in shape for the game and to improve skills. He likes to work in series. To think of a concept and investigate the idea.
For this show in the Turtle Gallery, he has made two series. The first is of small landscapes around Deer Isle, spanning between July to December 2024.
“Being new to Deer Isle I can see the magic around every corner here. I do not know why, but all seasons are overwhelming here. I have tried to paint the magic into them”.
The second series is more abstract; big complicated paintings with swirling colours.
“You have to keep developing yourself. To make a series with a beginning and an end helps me a lot. Sometimes I have a vague idea of what to explore. I write down words, wishes, demands and what should bond them. I work on the whole series during painting. I see them growing, coming together, instead of deciding the painting is ready, I decide when the series is ready”.
Erik never paints from photographs. The secret lies in turning the 3 dimensional world into a 2 dimensional piece of art. If a camera has already done that for you the magic is gone, he says. Erik paints with oil, in many layers. He finds that the skin of the paint is important, it must be well cared for.
“Nowadays you see a lot of anecdotes in arts. In my paintings you have to make the story yourself. There is a lot to see. The titles will help you on your way, like Driving up Cadillac Mountain or Breakfast with Hieronymus Bosch. I try to avoid direct recognizable items in these paintings, which is hard.”
- Born 1959 in Limmen, the Netherlands
- People’s High School, Kleppe Norway, 1978-1979. Drawing, woodworking, photography.
- Gerrit Rietveld Academy, Amsterdam, the Netherlands1984-1989. Drawing, painting and art history, Bachelor in Arts.
- Dutch State Stipendia in 1990 and 1992.
- Winner of the international painting festival Ezels en Kwasten (Easels and Brushes) in 2010, Public’s choice in 2014.
- Exhibitons in the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, Norway.