I like to create a new reality, exploring where realism and abstraction meet.

The freedom of painting brings me joy, and creating makes me happy.

Growing up in a family of artists and scientists shaped my outlook on life. My early experiences influence my work today.
I feel there are often contradictions to be found in life and it is these contradictions that inspire me.

Since I was a small child I have been drawing and painting.
As I got older, I took various art classes and met all kinds of artists. I’ve always been surrounded by creative people. Having friends in the music and film industries shaped my ideas about all kinds of art.

I draw inspiration from everyday life, as well as from artistic movements like Impressionism and Fauvism. Fairy tales and music also deeply influence my work.
Music plays an important role in my life and I like to collaborate with musician friends. I also practise photography and use it to explore connections to painting.

My art often features narrative scenes of nature. The butterfly theme is important to me because it represents themes of strength and fragility.
Through my work I aim to communicate various emotions, sometimes I try to capture the ineffable.

Henri Matisse once said, “There are always flowers for those who want to see them,” so why not simply paint them?

Saskia Stapel