Credit: https://www.facebook.com/AnkDraijer
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/AnkDraijer
Painter Ank Draijer isn't just a talented artist. She is also a citizen of the world. Originally from Leiden, The Netherlands, Draijer has spent the last 35 years in Latin America. "The first stop there was Peru, followed by Colombia, where a couple of years were spent in the Amazon jungle." It was in Bogota where "she attended screen priniting classes with Dutch artist Berendina Bakker, learning new artist techniques." Draijer has now called Costa Rica home for nearly 28 years. Costa Rica gave Draijer the opportunity to take "classes with both Jim Teologos, as well as Max Rojas."
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/AnkDraijer
Draijer's artwork allows her audience to witness how the different "urban and natual environments" she has lived in have shaped her work and the techniques she uses. Draijer's use of earth and warm colors, in addition to a "drip painting technique",caught ArtCrasher's eye. The “drip painting technique” used in Draijer's artwork "emphasizes the vertical movement of shapes and materials, creating images controlled not just by the artist, but by the gravitational pull of the earth – gravity, the attraction of matter and planets, one of the most dominant powers in the universe."
Draijer's work is "strongly influenced by the rich colors and overwhelming nature of the tropics, particularly of Costa Rica. The energy and healing power that emanate from nature keep feeding her passion for painting."
Draijer's connection to the environment is strong and she uses her work to express her concern for the environment."She is conscious that nature actively offers us teachings, sending us signals of climate change, challenging us to be aware of our role and responsibility as humans."
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/AnkDraijer
We were thrilled to have Draijer's artwork as part of our Los Angeles gallery show. She and her husband made the trip from Costa Rica to attend the show's opening. Meeting Draijer and her husband restored my faith in humanity. She has such welcoming and positive energy, and she shares that with each person she meets. After speaking with her for just five minutes, I felt as if I had known her for years. Meeting Draijer not only made me hungry to light my own creative spark again, she also showed me what it is to have gratitude and how imporant it is to share and express that gratitude.
To learn more about Draijer and her artwork, you can check out her website, Facebook and Twitter.
