Thursday, July 8, 2010

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * MARISKA MEIJERS


Former corporate woman-turned-artist and entrepeneur, lovely Mariska Meijers has been lighting up the blog and design world lately with her colorful and bold paintings and designs. I was captivated by the brilliance and cheery spirit her work exudes. She has graciously agreed to be featured here in my "Artist's Portraits" series.

Where were you born?
Vlaardingen, a small town near Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Best childhood memory?
One of the best was when I was sitting behind the stage watching my mother perform in Maria Stuarda with Dame Joan Sutherland and getting a standing ovation. It gave me goose bumps and I was so proud of her and I still am!


What would you take if your house was burning down?
My children, Annemarth and Mauk of course. As to the content of my house the choice would be difficult as there are so many that I love. My house is my moodboard, my inspiration, filled with objects, art and furniture that I have gathered over the years.


Your favorite book?
There are plenty but Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is the first one that comes to mind. Not only is it a great book with which I can wholehearthedtly identify, Gilbert is also an excellent motivational speaker. "I get up every single day and I do my very best with what I am and what I have.." Elizabeth Gilbert
Favorite travel destination?
I am a city girl at heart so put me in almost any big city and I have a ball, but if I really would have to make a choice today I would fly to Sydney!


If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?
A Steak Tartare and a glass of red on Ile St Louis in Paris


Do you prefer hot weather or cold?
Hot definitely. I lived both in Singapore and Stockholm and if I had a choice I would rush back to Singapore immediately! The only moment I can appreciate the cold is when sliding down the slopes.
Favorite shop?
You can never ask a girl just to mention one :). H&M, Hermes, Muiji, Liberty, Shanghai Tang, Didier Ludot.........


Favorite artists?
There are many but just to pick a few. Matisse is my absolute hero. I try to see as much of his work "live". Diego Giacometti (Alberto's brother) for his wonderful decorative objects and furniture. Sam Francis, his work is so energetic. 


Pet peeve?
Ironing, cleaning in general actually. I was definitely not born to do that!
What is, to you, the best thing about being an artist?
I used to be a corporate girl, as an artist I feel that I am in charge of my own destiny, chasing my own dreams not that of others. I love the challenge to create something new out of nothing, it makes me feel alive.

Be sure to check out her wonderful website here. Thank you, Mariska!
P.S. I am crazy over your pink desk lamp!

23 comments:

Unknown said...

You are right about the "cheery spirit" she exudes....sounds like a fun friend to shop with.....smiles.

Laura Trevey said...

I love your comment about being an artist... Fabulous interview!!

Off to check out your website ~~

xoxo Laura

Ivy Lane said...

I love how she responded to your question about what is best about being an artist!!! Inspires me!

Have a Great Day!

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Clearly she has a great zest for life, it shows in this interview and her creations!

Thanks for another wonderful introduction!

72 and sunny said...

you both exude such a positive energy that comes through in your art. You both inspire me!
thanks

Simone Howell said...

Thanks for sharing her Anne! Her color sense is beyond! LOVE! {The three of us should have lunch!} ;)

Diana Mieczan said...

That is a beautiful inteview and that pink lamp is so sweet! You are right...Great post,darling and have a wonderful Thursday!
Kisses and see you soon:)

lisaroy said...

Great interview! I love learning about other artists and she is clearly a very talented one! Her work is just so happy : )

pve design said...

How about a rendez-vous with Mariska, I know we three gals would have a ton of things to share on this journey as artists, bloggers and dreamers. Creating comes naturally to her, she has such a great passion for color and life!
pve

Christy said...

What a lovely interview Anne - I love her photos - so lively and colorful!

DolceDreams said...

What bright and beautiful work! I am off to check out her site....thanks for sharing...and have a great weekend too!
nathalie

Renée Finberg said...

what a wonderful thing that she is chasing her own dreams.

just like you anne!!!
xxx

Lisa Porter said...

Anne,
Thank you for introducing us to Mariska! A very talented artist with a very cheery outlook on life.
Just like you. Her art really is unique & fun. I look forward to visiting her.
Have a fun weekend you!
xo Lisa

red ticking said...

darling woman and very talented... such a great personality...

fabulous post...
have a great weekend sweetie... xx

Mariska Meijers said...

Wow Anne. Sorry for my late response. I was out of town with no access to my computer! What a wonderful boosting comments from your fabulous followers. Will properly thank you on my own blog this weekend. And I love Patricia's idea of a rendez-vous!
Have a wonderful weekend xox

Jo said...

You always do such a lovely job of sharing talent with us ~ Mariska is no exception. I love the vibrancy and cheery disposition.

Have a wonderful weekend ~
Jo

Francine Gardner said...

Love to read about people who are not afraid to take chanced...she exudes happiness, just love her smile

jules @ The Diversion Project said...

oh marisak is such a fabulous lady, and her work is amazing. great topic Anne!

have a wonderful weekend, julesx

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I think you two could be kindred spirits. You both have such a beautiful outlook on life and it shows through your vibrant, lovely art. Mariska's interview was very fun to read & she is one of those ladies you'd love to sit and chat for hours. Truly a beautiful person.
Thanks Anne for introducing her to us all. Lovely Sunday to you xo

Michelle said...

Very stylish!! I'm off to take a look at her website. I love Rotterdam...lots of talent coming from the Netherlands!!

Great series Anne!

Best,
Michelle

A Flair for Vintage Decor said...

Wonderful interview...and very motivating too!

Anonymous said...

I am crazy over that purple wall.

Unknown said...

How wonderful! Two of my favorite ladies! xx

 
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