Short interview with Klaartje Berkelmans

Tell us what you do in one sentence.

I am actually an autodidact in illustration. However, studying architecture and being in design school for a short period definitely helped me to become more sensitive to form, color, material and structure.

Who is your favorite artist?

I don’t have just one favorite. I admire several artists and colleagues for their skill and for the atmosphere they are able to create in their work. But one thing I’m greatly influenced by (and you can call this an artist as well) is nature. Animals (everything from elephants to little bugs) specifically, but also the green stuff like leaves, moss, mushrooms, flowers etc. etc. I’m often in awe with the color, design and perfectness of even the smallest things. This is for sure a source of inspiration to me. 

Do you have a special connection with fishes or birds?

I love birds, fish I’m not so sure about (though I love grilled tuna and sushi…). Oh, and I don’t love all the birds, just the cute ones like blackbirds and robins. Okay, may be a couple more, but fat doves are definitely not included!

What are you planning to do for the book?

Don’t know yet. I started to put some of my ideas on paper using words and sketching little images. What I’m mostly wondering about right now is: what if a bird and a fish fall in love?

Can you describe where you live?

I live in Tilburg which is a town that is not too big and not too small either. It’s just in between which makes it perfect. It’s not a specifically pretty town, but I have come to like it over the years. My favorite spot in my town is actually my own house and the room where I work. My own little universe.

What is your goal in art and in life?

To be authentic.
(In real life this turns out not to be a goal, but an everyday practice)