Artistic Vision — Leonoor Ruigrok
I paint what gets under my skin. Then I see where it takes me.
Research and impulses
When a subject grabs me, I can really sink my teeth into it. I explore it from different angles, experiment with materials and decide for myself which direction to take. While I’m working, I need the freedom to follow my impulses. Sometimes that takes me into an incredible flow, and I become completely absorbed in what I’m doing.
Freedom
Freedom, to me, means making space for myself. I want to be able to do things my own way. I can find that space in my studio, but just as easily outdoors. As long as it feels like some sort of home base. Once I’m working, I don’t want those little voices in my head constantly telling me how things should be done.
Unity and chaos
Even when things look chaotic, I’m working with a sense of unity and enormous focus. I want to be able to respond to what happens. Sometimes a work changes direction completely because of that. It doesn’t all have to be so polished, as far as I’m concerned. I’m also interested in the movement and energy of the process. The rough edges are allowed to show.
Female Perspective
My perspective is rooted in lived experience, in being a girl, a sister, a daughter, a woman, and a mother. Femininity isn’t something I consciously choose as a theme; it is simply there, woven into the work. I don’t see the feminine and masculine as opposites. Both find their way into my work, sometimes without me being aware of it.
