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Hi all, to our virtual campfire. As the digital flames dance and flicker, casting an ethereal glow upon the night, I invite you to pull up a virtual log, find your comfy digital spot, and let the warmth of camaraderie embrace you. It's time for a story. The Soldier and the Vampire: A Tale of Valor In a time long past, within a realm veiled in mystical folklore, lived a courageous soldier. His arduous journey led him back to his homeland, where a dear friend, the village miller, resided. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting shadows that concealed the unknown, the two friends gathered by a welcoming hearth to exchange tales. But as the night enveloped them, a palpable shift occurred. The miller's cheerful demeanour gave way as fear engulfed his face. He spoke of a malevolent force that haunted their village, a vampiric warlock. This sinister creature rose from the grave, sowing fear among the villagers under the cloak of night. Dread clung to even the bravest souls. This didn't frighten the soldier, who, bound by duty and strengthened by valor, was more certain to continue his voyage. His path led him through the village graveyard, where an eerie and unsettling sight awaited—a blazing fire atop one of the graves. Driven by curiosity, he approached, discovering the vampiric warlock seated beside the fire, engaged in an unholy task. The soldier greeted the warlock, initiating a conversation that would take a chilling turn. The warlock extended an invitation to a nearby wedding, which seemed to be a celebration like no other. However, as the night unfolded, the warlock's nefarious intentions became clear. He revealed a dreadful secret—he had stolen the lifeblood of the bride and groom, an act that would condemn them to eternal slumber. Only the warlock possessed the knowledge to awaken them. The soldier, quick-witted and resolute, listened intently, committing the warlock's vampiric dark arts to memory, all the while feeding the warlock's ego with compliments. The warlock boasted of his powers, claiming invincibility save for specific circumstances—a pyre of aspen wood, a hundred loads high, would be his doom. He warned of the vile creatures and malevolent spirits that would escape from his vampiric form upon death unless they were captured and consigned to the fiery abyss. But when he blurted this out he looked at the soldier knowing he had said too much. Their inevitable clash was brutal and relentless, pushing the soldier to the brink of exhaustion. Salvation arrived unexpectedly—the crowing of vigilant roosters and a rising sun. The warlock ran to his grave and fell lifeless, and the soldier seized the stolen phials of lifeblood. With unwavering resolve, he resurrected the bride and groom, replacing despair with joy. But the vampiric warlock's malevolence could not be left unchecked. Alongside the villagers, they constructed a colossal pyre of aspen wood, and the remains of the vampiric warlock were committed to the inferno. From the ashes arose tranquility, and the soldier was hailed as a hero. In time, the soldier returned to his homeland, his pockets filled with wealth earned through service to the Tsar. He retired, living a life of contentment, knowing that he had confronted and vanquished the darkest of vampiric adversaries. The Inspiration: Now, let me share what inspired our illustration—the enduring elements of this story. A young couple, innocence at its core, faced with a malevolent presence, a vampiric warlock, and defended by a valiant soldier—a powerful testament to the triumph of good over evil. Conclussion: As we sit by the digital campfire, this tale reminds us that courage, unity, and community can vanquish even the most insidious darkness. In todays world, with its uncertainties and how quickly everything is changing, we must stand together, confront our fears and stand against the shadows that threaten our peace and

Hi everyone! As the seasons change and we bid farewell to the warm embrace of summer, I find myself eagerly welcoming the start of fall and the gradual transition into winter. While many folks are partial to the vibrant colours of spring and the warmth of summer, I love the colourful display of fall and the cold kiss of winter. In this time of year, thick sweaters become our second skin, and the once gentle breeze begins to bear the chilly breath of winter. It's during these moments, as I pedal my daughter to school on our trusty bike, that I relish the anticipation of winter's arrival. The summer's green colours change to yellow, orange, red, and brown as the fall air carries away the leaves. A Season of Creativity: During this transition, while nature becomes more dormant, I feel like I just wake up creatively. It's a paradox, I admit. While all around me seems to be winding down, preparing for slumber, I find myself invigorated by the season's embrace. My mind feels rejuvenated, and my senses have sharpened. Perhaps it's the juxtaposition of life's cyclicality, where endings become beginnings, that fuels my creative spirit. The Cold Embrace: And oh, how I adore the cold! I love the feeling of stepping outside and feeling the cold kiss of winter on my cheek. But when I go back inside, the warmth of my home just embraces me like a loving hug. The contrast between the brisk outdoors and the comforting indoors is a feeling I cherish. The Joyous Holidays: With the start of fall comes the anticipation of holidays, which I really love. First in line is Halloween, a festival of spookiness and imagination. Then comes Sinterklaas, a beloved Belgian-Dutch celebration bearing a resemblance to Santa Claus, followed by the heart-warming traditions of Christmas. New Year's Eve, while not my personal favourite, marks the transition into a fresh beginning. The Birthdays: But it doesn't end there. After those festivities, we celebrate our birthdays—first, mine, which I hold with a sense of indifference, and then my daughter's, which is always a big party because she loves it so much to be with others. By the time we celebrate my wife's special day, the promise of spring is already in the air, awaiting its moment to bloom. Creating Traditions: Every season, I draw an illustration on our front window—a small yet heartfelt gesture to wish our neighbours well during their daily comings and goings. It's a way of saying, "Enjoy your spring, summer, and the changing seasons." When October rolls around, I ask my daughter what she wants on the window for Halloween this year. Her answer was simple: a witch, a skeleton, and a ghost. The Birth of an Illustration: Her simple request sparked a visual, leading to a drawing of a witch cooking two skeletons as their ghosts tried to escape. This had my creative juices flowing because, when that was finished, I ran upstairs and made an adapted illustration of the same idea A Seasonal Toast: Winter is coming, I hope you all are also looking forward to the winter festivities, I extend my warmest wishes to you all. May you find joy in the changing seasons, and perhaps, like me, discover unexpected bursts of creativity in the midst of nature's transformation.

Hi everyone! Today, let's harken back to a time when storytelling was not just reserved for children's bedtime tales. In the days of yore, before the glow of the television screen, people would gather around the warm hearth to share stories, to captivate their audience, and ignite their imaginations. So, come, gather 'round my virtual fire, and allow me to share with you a timeless tale. The Story: The dead witch (old Russian folk tale) Once upon a time, in a world steeped in magic and mystery, there lived a terrible witch—an old crone with a daughter and a granddaughter. The witch's time was drawing to an end, and she had a curious request for her daughter. "Listen well," the witch croaked, her eyes gleaming with an eerie light. "When I depart from this world, do not bathe my body in tepid water. Instead, set a cauldron a boil, let it seethe and simmer until it reaches the highest of heats, and then use that scalding water to cleanse my form." With these unsettling instructions, the witch fell ill and lingered on the brink of death for a few days before passing away. Her daughter hurriedly sought the help of neighbours to prepare her mother's body for burial, leaving her young granddaughter alone in their cottage. Left to her own devices, the granddaughter witnessed a scene beyond her wildest nightmares. From beneath the stove emerged two grotesque figures—an imposing demon and a smaller companion. They moved towards the body of the old witch. The elder demon seized the witch's feet and, with a single, gruesome tug, stripped her of her skin in one fell swoop. Turning to his little accomplice, he instructed, "Take the flesh for yourself and conceal it beneath the stove." The smaller demon complied, clutching the witch's flesh to his own grotesque form before vanishing beneath the stove. Only the witch's skin remained, a hollow vessel for the unspeakable. The daughter returned with a group of women to prepare the witch's body for her final journey. The granddaughter, unable to hold in her fear and astonishment, cried out loud. "Mama," the child exclaimed, her voice quivering, "they tore off Granny's skin while you were away!" The daughter scoffed, looking at the other women, dismissing words as mere fantasy. Undeterred, she fetched a large cauldron, filled it with frigid water, and set it upon the stove, allowing it to boil ferociously. Together, the women transferred the witch's body into a trough and, with the cauldron in hand, poured the scalding water over her in one swift, relentless deluge. The demon inhabiting the witch's skin could not endure the agony. He writhed and contorted before leaping from the trough, darting through the doorway, and vanishing, skin and all. The women were left agog. "What sorcery is this?" They cried in astonishment. "The witch's body was here, and now it's gone. There's nothing left for burial or preparation." Reflection: In Western European folklore, tales of dead witches spirited away by demons are not uncommon. In this tale, it becomes more macabre as the demon inhabits the witch's skin, only to meet his own demise. Yet even in this darker tale of eerie magic lies a message of compassion. Even a terrible witch, still cares for her daughter and granddaughter, trying to protect them after her dead. The Creation of Art: Many ask how I conjure my creative ideas. More often than not, it's life's experiences that serve as my muse—personal anecdotes, the intricacies of daily existence, or the profound impact of political events. Occasionally, I find inspiration in the pages of old and often-forgotten folk tales. These tales then spark an idea which eventually becomes a new illustration. As today's illustration is two family members protecting the old witch who loved them enough to warn them what was coming. So over the coming weeks I will invite you again to join me at the fire and share some more stories. I hope you will find it as enchanting as I do.

Introduction: Hello everyone! Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of creativity. It's a complex concept, often elusive, and can strike us at the most unexpected moments. If you're not prepared, it might just knock you off your feet. The Technical Odyssey: Lately, I've been immersed in a new project that's taken me into a highly technical mindset. I wanted to accomplish something efficiently without splurging on expensive equipment. Essentially, I aimed for a DIY approach to keep costs down. Did it work? Well, not exactly. Looking back, it turned out to be quite a steep learning curve, and I did end up investing a fair amount of resources into it. I won't reveal the details just yet, but I promise I will in the future. What I'm exploring here is the creative process. The Nexus of Technicality and Emotion: Interestingly, technical thinking and creative thinking often seem closely related, at least in my mind. I tend to approach illustration in a somewhat technical manner, but there's a profound difference: emotion. I frequently ponder how to transform a concept into an image, but the illustrations I hold closest to my heart are those rooted in feelings. Ideas infused with emotion are typically easier for me to create, as they possess more depth and simply flow. While good ideas can result in technically impressive illustrations, the ones that resonate with me most are those tied to my emotions. Yet, it's intriguing to note that customer perspectives can vary greatly, as different aspects of my illustrations trigger their own feelings. It's fascinating to observe that drawings I may not consider my strongest are often chosen first, while my personal favourites sometimes go unnoticed. The Drought of Inspiration: Over the past few months, while tackling a technical challenge, I've noticed my well of inspiration running dry. This will become clearer when I unveil my new project. The sheer multitude of possibilities has both excited and paralyzed me. The fear of making the wrong choice has been rather paralyzing. So, returning to the interplay of emotion and technicality, the technical aspect has momentarily stifled my creative flow. Now, I need to rediscover my inner peace, realign my mindset, and blend the technical and creative aspects to produce art once more. Conclusion: Albert Einstein once said, "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." So, after months of constraining my mind to technical and skill-oriented thinking, perhaps it's time to open the cage and let my creativity soar freely once again.

Introduction: Hi everyone I have been away for a while, and you might be wondering where I've been. Well, I was on vacation, where I unplugged from the online world as much as possible. I did extend it a little further to give me that extra comfort and recharge my batteries. Also, I have been working on some new projects; they're not quite ready for the spotlight yet, but I promise to share more when the time is right. In this blog, I want to reflect on my vacation and the return to the daily grind. Vacation Bliss: My vacation was a much-needed break from the routine, a chance to recharge and rediscover the beauty of life beyond the screen. Disconnecting from the constant buzz of notifications and social media allowed me to appreciate the simpler things: the soothing sound of the animals and water splashes at the lake, the taste of delicious local cuisine, and the joy of exploring new places. Back to Reality: As I sit down to write this, the thought of returning to work looms on the horizon. It's not always easy to switch gears from leisure to productivity, and I confess, I'm not quite 100% ready for that transition just yet. You see, a while ago, I made a deliberate choice that has shaped my life's path. I prioritized the quality of life over the sheer quantity of things or work hours. So I took a part-time job, which gives me a certain income, and this would give me the time to pursue my passion, drawing. In the early days, my artistic endeavours often gravitated towards larger projects, but I didn't find the same level of inspiration and fulfilment in those as I did in assisting smaller organizations and local businesses, such as mom-and-pop stores. Because these commissions were more personal, all the people involved were fully invested and not working for a bigger company where it was just part of the daily grind. The work itself felt more appreciated. Over time, this led me to explore a different path. I sought to craft pieces that people might want to hang on their walls simply because they connected with the work on a personal level. This led me to participate in art fairs, where I could share my creations with a broader audience, and actually connect with people on a personal level. One remarkable aspect of this way of life is the time it grants me for reflection and presence. I'm not perpetually distracted by the demands of a traditional full-time job. Instead, I can be there for my daughter, and she never had to experience going to childcare because my partner or I had to rush off to work early in the morning. My partner made a similar decision in her own life, and this also grants her that same amount of freedom. So between the both of us, there is always someone there for our daughter, and this means that she gets us instead of us needing to earn more money to have someone we don't know take care of her. It is important to mention that this way of life has it's advantages and disadvantages. I try to create as much of a steady income as I can through my part-time job. This gives me a good life; we aren't in need of anything, but there are limits. I do often find myself deep in thought about something I am working on, but then I have to pause it, put it in a box, and go to my job, so it does create it's own rhythm. While I dream of sustaining myself solely through my art, that day hasn't arrived just yet. To some, it might seem like I'm always on vacation, but that's not quite the case. This way of life has allowed me to step back from the relentless cycle of productivity, detach from the constant barrage of online notifications, and simply savour whatever each moment brings. And I must admit, I love the freedom this gives me and the creativity that can flow from it. A Brave Start: On the home front, my daughter embarked on her school journey once more as the holidays came to an end. Starting a new school year can be filled with anxieties and uncertainties, especially when faced with new teachers and unfamiliar surroundings. However, I'm incredibly proud of her courage and resilience. She quickly identified her feelings, bravely describing the initial overwhelm, and acknowledged that it might take some time to adjust. Her ability to communicate her emotions shows growth and maturity, assuring us that everything will fall into place. Conclusion: Vacations are like a pause button in the fast-paced symphony of life. They offer us moments of introspection and relaxation, allowing us to return with renewed energy and perspective. As I contemplate heading back to work and my daughter embraces her new school year, I'm reminded that life is a journey of transitions. With each change comes growth and adaptation, and by acknowledging our feelings along the way, we find the strength to face whatever lies ahead. So here's to vacations, to reconnection with ourselves, and to the beautiful dance of life's ever-changing rhythms. Until next time!

Introduction: In this era of interconnectedness, we have witnessed a transformation that would have seemed otherworldly a mere few decades ago. With the advent of the internet, we've transitioned from simply connecting through chat apps and looking up information to being engulfed by a digital realm where reality intertwines with the virtual. As we look at the evolving virtual landscape, we can see a parallel emerge, likening our online lives to hamsters on wheels. This reveals the complexities of our interactions with social media and questions how authentic our online experience is. The Digital Wheel Begins to Spin: Our journey through the digital realm started innocently enough. The early 2000s saw the inception of a precursor to Facebook, Facesmash, which involved pitting images of fellow students against each other in a "Hot or Not" scenario. This playful inception eventually became Facebook as we know it today. Opening its virtual doors to the world in 2006, Facebook marked the mainstream beginning of an era where personal connections merged with a broader sense of sharing. As more platforms joined in, we unwittingly became digital content creators, mirroring the rise of reality TV, where authenticity merged with entertainment. The Alluring Mirage: The allure of social media is undeniable. We can share photos and videos, connect with long-lost friends and family members, and curate our best moments. Yet, like a mirage in the desert, the perfection presented online often belies the complexity of reality. Striving for perfection, we glimpsed others' seemingly flawless lives and compared them to our own. Then feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and resentment creep in. The "Hot or Not" mentality of rating appearances gradually metamorphosed into rating our experiences through likes, thumbs-up or thumbs-down, comments, and followers. But in essence, it remained the same. We compared our abilities not to a handful of people we knew, but thanks to social media, we could see the world and compare to all of them. I found it daunting in the beginning to show my work online because of all the illustrators I could see online who were better than me. Hamsters on the Wheel: Today, we find ourselves caught in a cycle reminiscent of hamsters running tirelessly on wheels. We wake up and instantly reach for our smartphones, immersing ourselves in a stream of notifications, updates, and images. We record our every move, from breakfast to bedtime, seeking validation through digital hearts and thumbs-up. This incessant quest for external affirmation keeps us running on the wheel of likes and comments, often obscuring the authenticity of our emotions. Struggling for Authenticity: In this whirlwind of virtual interactions, we sometimes lose sight of our authenticity. Our online personas overshadow our genuine selves, and our connection with reality weakens. As we scroll through carefully curated feeds, we forget that each individual's life is an intricate tapestry of both highs and lows. Just as the hamster wheel offers repetitive comfort, social media provides an illusion of connection while distancing us from genuine human interactions. Escaping the Wheel: The analogy of the hamster wheel carries a profound truth. Just as researchers discovered wild animals willingly engaging with wheels in their natural habitats, we humans are driven by an innate desire for interaction and validation. A study done by Dutch scientists in 2014 observed how animals, when given the chance, interacted with the wheel even without a tangible reward. This could be attributed to their natural curiosity, a natural desire to run, and their liking the wheel to do that. The Innate Desire: When we peer into the realm of social media, we can't help but question whether our fascination with it stems from a similar natural desire. Just as animals play on the wheel out of curiosity or the desire to engage with something novel, humans are drawn to the ever-refreshing stream of online content. Is our infatuation with social media feeding the need we have as humans to connect with each other and socialize? Is this why it can capture our attention so quickly and has the potential to become so addictive? I have noticed that certain feelings conveyed in certain movies can actually alter my own mindset. For example, watching TikTok movies about people going through injustice makes me boil with anger. I can swipe to the next video for a new distraction, but if the algorithm picks up that I react stronger to those kinds of videos, it will feed me more of that. This could lead to perpetual anger, and that doesn't just swipe away. Every time I now get such a video, I instantly decide to swipe because I don't want my stream to be one of suffering. Embracing Our Nature: The study that observed wild animals engaging with the wheel underscores the fact that certain behaviors are rooted in our fundamental nature. The creatures' interaction with the wheel, devoid of a concrete reward, indicates a deeper drive at play. Similarly, we have a desire to be social and engage with others because we are social creatures. By acknowledging this, we can approach the digital realm with a deeper understanding, appreciating the facets of our nature that draw us to it. The Evolution of Engagement: Just as animals' interaction with the wheel was initially intended to increase activity, our engagement with social media began as a means to connect and share. But it has grown into a complex phenomenon. As we ponder whether social media fulfills a natural desire, we must navigate this virtual landscape mindfully. Recognizing that our engagement springs from a mix of curiosity, connection, and sometimes compulsion, we can consciously balance our digital experiences with the authenticity of human interaction and genuine exploration. Also, leaving a comment, liking a post, or receiving one can give small jolts of dopamine, leading to a feeling of pleasure and accomplishment, but is it really any of these two? Beyond the Wheel: The wheel is more than movement alone; I think it created a misalignment with ourselves. For example, never has anyone I didn't know walked up to me in real life and cursed at me for no reason whatsoever. (Correction: it has happened but that was someone with a mental disorder, and I don't really count that one.) But this is a reasonable common occurrence online because people are anonymous, which gives a veil of false protection, or because children are children. This veil of anonymity can have advantages and disadvantages because people could open up about things they otherwise would never talk about. But I do believe that those raw feelings of someone who lives perpetually online will eventually seep into the real world. I see this already happening with certain interactions these days. I think we can harness this understanding to curate a digital presence that aligns with our authentic selves. In recognizing the allure of the wheel, we must remember that we have the agency to step off and rediscover the beauty of a balanced existence—one that values both the virtual and the authentic self. Conclusion: The journey from "Hot or Not" to the digital hamster wheel hasn't changed that much except for the amount of time we lose ourselves in distractions. The allure of the wheel is undeniable, and we should think about the effects it has on the real world and our real selves. We must acknowledge our innate desire for connection while also embracing the richness of reality beyond the screen. Just as a hamster can escape the wheel, we too can step off the digital treadmill and rediscover the beauty of a balanced existence—one that values both the virtual and the authentic.

This week, we are diving a little bit deeper into my work process. I often find inspiration for my art in things I live through or see my daughter move through, or in myths and obscure stories. This time, it was a werewolf story that piqued my imagination. The story: The Morbach Monster -Anonymous Have you ever heard of the Morbach Monster? I first learned of the legend while I was stationed at Hahn Air Force Base, Germany. Morbach was a munitions site just outside of the village of Wittlich. Supposedly, Wittlich is the last town where a werewolf was killed. There is a shrine just outside of town where a candle always burns. Legend has it that if the candle ever goes out, the werewolf will return. One night a group of security policemen were on their way to their post at Morbach when they noticed that the candle was out at the shrine, and they all joked about the monster. Later that night, alarms were received from a fence-line sensor. When the security policemen investigated the call, one of them saw a huge "dog-like" animal stand up on its back legs, look at him, and jump over the 7 1/2-foot chain-link fence. A military working dog was brought to the area where the creature was last seen, and the dog went nuts, not wanting anything to do with tracking the creature. This occurred around 1988. This made me think of the one little candle at the shrine being in the eye of a storm, and the storm is the werewolf trying to snap as soon as the candle dims. In my mind's eye, I saw this as a whirlwind of darkness, which is the wolf surrounding a small candle. So I started sketching, which came out not to bad. After completing the sketch, I jumped right into the ink phase, emphasizing all the creepy details of the werewolf: its fur, which feels like an inferno; the sharp teeth; the eyes staring at the small candle. I chose to use black ink to create the stark contrast and then color it digitally. I used oranges to accent the flame and the storm that was brewing. I hope you like the final result of this little tale. I'm also excited to share the different steps from sketch to ink and finally the final piece. Thanks for taking the time to read this. See you all next week, and as always, checkout TikTok for the making of this illustration.

Hi all, This weekend was special for Lambermontmartre as it celebrated its 20th year. I was happy to be there. The illustration added above was sold this weekend, and as I was talking to the person who bought it, I was glad because it was going to a good home. Also, if you are reading this as I am posting it, later today I will upload a fun-cut video of the illustration process of this on TikTok account @Foeshel, if you are reading it on a later date it will already be there. While speaking with him, I got reminded of my Monday-Friday comics. This illustration was based on an idea from a while ago that came out of this series. (see below) Every Monday I would post a comic illustration that would be a fantastical scene, generally bad, and I would state that I hate Mondays. At the end of the week, I would resolve the situation; this would mostly be a humoristic twist on the beginning of the week. It was fun to do, as it sort of was two pieces of storytelling, and the general meat and in-between filling would happen in the reader's mind. Remembering that I lost my Instagram account due to the Facebook hack in January, I have decided to repost the Monday-Friday comics. These will be added to this blog post. This way I can show them again to new people as they have been deleted by Meta. Also, most of these illustrations were sold. This gathers them all together nice and neatly. Also I got interviewed by a local news station ATV about Lambermontmartre. The article and interview are in Dutch, so for English-speaking people, it is generally a description of the market itself, and some of my work is shown. You can check out the interview here: Interview Lambermontmartre Overall, I had a fun time at Lambermontmartre and loved talking to many new people. It's always great to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and artists and share the stories behind my illustrations. Try to find your Zen moment. See you all next week!

Unlocking the Depths: A Quest for Perfection Lotte's fascination with water has always been evident, from her love of playfulness to the tranquility it offers. Yet, when it comes to the technicalities of swimming, Lotte's desire for perfection poses a unique challenge. The fear of making mistakes often leads her to withdraw into her thoughts, creating a barrier between her and external feedback. However, beneath this cautious exterior lies a world of growth, where small but significant steps are taken towards acceptance. A Vacation of Revelations: Sand, Water, and the Gentle Approach During our vacation, I observed Lotte's dedication to practice and her gradual steps towards embracing mistakes. As we visited the pool, she entered a work mode, determined to improve her swimming skills. However, what brought a smile to my face was the discovery of an area that combined sand and water—a reminiscent of Lotte's beloved mud kitchen at home. In this oasis of fun, Lotte found solace and enjoyment, where she could be free from the pressure of learning and simply revel in the moment. The Transformative Power of Water: Finding Peace Amid Imperfection Returning from our vacation, Lotte's swim journey continued to unfold. While she may not fully embrace the idea of making mistakes and practice, I witnessed the subtle shifts within her. The more she immersed herself in the water, the more tranquillity and peace she found. Though hesitant, she took tentative steps, dipping one toe at a time into the pool of growth. It is a reminder that progress is not always linear, but every small act of courage is a triumph in itself. The Illustration: A Window to Tranquillity and Progress The accompanying illustration, drawn with a blue ballpoint pen, captures a significant moment in Lotte's swim journey. It depicts Lotte fearlessly leaping into the pool from the side, with a sense of determination in her eyes. In this specific instance, Lotte had initially sought my assistance, but with each previous successful attempt, I encouraged her to trust in her own abilities. Yesterday was a breakthrough as I declined to help and affirmed her capability. With newfound confidence, she took the leap, repeating it again and again, conquering the fear and embracing the joy of swimming independently. This illustration serves as a reminder of Lotte's remarkable progress and her unwavering spirit. Conclusion: Embracing Growth, One Toe at a Time In conclusion, Lotte's swim journey teaches us the power of perseverance and the significance of taking small steps towards growth. While the acceptance of mistakes and practice may remain a hurdle for her, Lotte's willingness to dip her toe into the water symbolizes her courage and resilience. Let us celebrate every stride, no matter how small, and continue to support Lotte as she navigates the waters of progress. With patience and encouragement, Lotte's swim journey will continue to unfold, reminding us of the beauty found in embracing growth, one toe at a time.

Introduction: In this reflective blog post, I draw inspiration from the ongoing divisions and conflicts prevalent in our interconnected world. Through an insightful illustration, I aim to shed light on the distractions that keep us bickering about minor things while emphasizing the fundamental needs that contribute to our happiness and well-being. This piece serves as a reminder to question the powers that be and seek a peaceful existence for ourselves and our loved ones. Inspiration: The inspiration for this blog and illustration stems from my observations of people constantly at odds with one another. In a world where connectivity should bring us closer, we find ourselves more divided than ever. I believe our focus is misplaced and often consumed by insignificant disagreements. What truly matters are the basic elements that bring contentment: security, survival, and the support of family and loved ones. The definition of "loved ones" can vary, encompassing friends, chosen family, or those who share our values. By nurturing a peaceful and harmonious life, we can find fulfilment beyond superficial distractions. The Illustration: The illustration depicts a monstrous figure that symbolizes the forces that divide us. It represents the inner struggle of holding conflicting thoughts and ideologies, whether they are political, personal, or societal. This visual metaphor urges us to question these divisions, as they often prevent us from seeking a common goal—a peaceful existence. Despite our differences, our desire for tranquillity and the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones unites us at the core. Seeking Balance: Scepticism and Careful Consideration: I advocate for a balanced approach where scepticism and careful consideration play a pivotal role. It is crucial to think critically and logically rather than solely relying on emotions. While emotions have their place, a chaotic world dominated by feelings can lead to inconsistency and the abandonment of rhyme and reason. We must navigate the complexities of life with a blend of heartfelt compassion and rational thinking, understanding that today's beliefs may evolve, requiring us to adapt and grow. Conclusion: In conclusion, this illustration and accompanying message call for a deeper understanding of the divisive forces at play in our society. By prioritizing the pursuit of a peaceful existence, we can bridge our differences and work towards common goals. Let us embrace scepticism, critical thinking, and logical reasoning as we navigate the complexities of our world. Together, we can foster harmony, both within ourselves and in our communities, while staying open to growth and change. If someone disagrees with your point of view, that does not make them an enemy.

This Sunday, June 25th, 2023, marks an exciting day for art enthusiasts and curious minds as the Lambermontmartre Art Fair returns to Antwerp. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Royal Fine Arts Museum, this vibrant art fair will take place on the lively square at Leopold de Waelplaats. If you've ever wanted to see my art in real life, this is your chance! I invite you to swing by and check out my booth. Everyone is welcome, the art on display is for all ages and tastes. I'll be setting up my tent at 10 a.m. and showcasing my unique creations until 17 p.m. From captivating original illustrations to innovative recycled spray cans, there will be a diverse range of artwork to explore and hold, and who knows, you might want to take something home with you. The forecast predicts a hot and sunny day, so be sure to wear your favorite sun hat and comfortable shoes. Come prepared to enjoy a visual feast of creativity and indulge in the vibrant art scene that Antwerp has to offer. Save the date: Sunday, June 25th, 2023, at Leopold de Waelplaats. Follow me on TikTok for more video footage of my work and information about it. See you there!

In this introspective blog post, I want to delve into a personal aspect that both my daughter and I share – the persistence of thoughts or what I like to call "monsters" in our minds. Let me share a recent example. I walked by a couple of tables at my daughter's school, and the vineer on some came lose. It bothered me, and the thought of fixing it kept nagging at me. Little did I know that the universe had its way of affirming this notion when I stumbled upon two kids on the playground calling out about a broken toy. It was as if the universe was echoing my thoughts, urging me to take action not only on the toy but also on the tables. This experience perfectly captures how certain ideas or thoughts stick with us and push us to make a change. This pattern of thought extends beyond everyday situations and permeates other aspects of my life, including my artistic endeavors. I can have these moments of hyperfocus where new styles of illustration, materials, or techniques, can interest me intensly, but once I have a good gras of them, my interest tends to wane. It's a unique blend of a touch of OCD and an attention disorder, although I must clarify that this is a self-diagnosis taken with a grain of salt. What's fascinating is that I've noticed similar traits in my daughter. She, too, experiences moments of flourishing and moments of struggle. Advising her to see things differently can be a challenge, as I understand firsthand how difficult it is to let go or comprehend something fully. Curiosity needs nurturing, and she also experiences the side effects – her focus dwindles, and external responses become more challenging. It's as if her mental buffer is constantly brimming with information. Navigating through these dynamics can sometimes lead to difficult situations, especially for my girlfriend who finds herself in the middle, bridging the gap between two individuals with such similar tendencies. Balancing our unique traits and finding the right words of encouragement can be delicate, but we strive to approach it with patience and understanding. Lotte will carve her own path at her own pace, and we will be there every step of the way, offering our unwavering support, guidance, and protection. This journey is one of patience, love, and growth, and we embrace it wholeheartedly.