About Mieke Drossaert

Born in  Willebroek (Belgium) on October 30th, 1952.

Now I live, work and enjoy life in Ostend, 100 yards away from the sea. Attracted by nature, but inspired by people. 

The start

From my childhood on I liked to draw and paint, but since 2004 I really started 'full force'. I still don't know whether I draw better than anyone else, but I have a special link with 'images'. It just happens. 

In earlier times I tried to draw, but I was never satisfied with the result. My art made me doubt, even existentially, it was chaos.

Self-educated

I taught myself how to draw. The lessons I got at the Academia of Mechelen didn't satisfy me. Although I have to admit that my mentors Tony Blickx, Bob Van Gestel, Frans Van den Brande and Lieve Cools, gave me everything they got. And the director, sculpter Frans Walravens, will always have a special place in my life and art. He's unique as a man and artist. He always supports me, and keeps on repeating: "Forget everything you learned. Do your thing!".

Passion

I consider painting as my absolute passion. When I paint, I forget time and space. I prefer not knowing what my drawing will lead to. Painting is an adventure, I'm addicted to it.

Within the hour I have the basis on the canvas, but the intro can be very slow, as well as the finish. I take my time to select the perfect image, and then some more to destroy it again. When I create, everyone should recognize the picture immediately, even when the work misses sharpness, but it will always have a strong colour.

People appreciate my work because it touches them, it makes them happy, it makes them smile. The characters are beautiful in their fullness and endearing, despite their lack of individual characteristics. The characters just play their role, they are all interchangeable, ... or not.