Artist Interviews 2024

Jim Mooijekind  
By Johnny Otto



Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in art?

I Think the interest always has been there. As long as I can remember I have been drawing. When I was a bit younger as than a baby, I would make these wild abstract muddy drawings. But I always said that they were drawings of monsters. Later in life the monster got recognizable as monsters. But when I was a toddler I also added elaborate factories and battle scenes to my infantile portfolio. Going to school I didn’t like so much persé, so I was happy when high school etc ended. And move on to bigger and funner things. First I studied two years of art direction , but that wasn’t really my jam. So I chose for art. Builded a portfolio and after a preparatory period in Barcelona I went to the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Which I simultaneously liked and dreaded. There were things I learned over there ,and people I met that I’m still really close with. But I was happy to move on to the post-educational part of my life and get a start in the arts.



How would you describe your artistic style?

It’s very hard for me to pin it down. I think the lack of being able to name it or group it keeps it exiting for me. Maybe “New figuration” could be something.



What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?

The good ol’ ballpoint never disappoints to get things started. A very under estimated piece of machinery. I use it for all my drawings. For the black and white ones , but also for the outline for my water-color drawings. Furthermore I like to paint my paintings with a first layer of acrylics to get everything in the painting where it should be. And then continue with oil paints. Oil paint has something what nothing else has. The possibility to create form and gradients etc. and the colors just pop more.



Can you walk us through your creative process?

It always starts with Drawing. I always carry around these sketchbooks. Sometimes it starts with an idea, but some other times I just start drawing, and I see what comes up. A bit like automatic drawing. Its interesting and sometimes somewhat troubling to see what comes up from the subliminal mind. After this stage I see if I want to do something more with it. If if I really like it I convey the idea to canvas as a painting in the studio. But some other times I make a watercolor piece out of it at home or also in the studio.



Are there any specific themes or subjects that consistently appear in your work?

Mostly things I’m in awe with and don’t really understand. Spiritual themes or my emotions. It always changes a bit. And for me its sometimes like deciphering your dreams when u wake up. At this moment I see allot of non existent flowers popping up in my drawings and paintings. I like to call these flowers “Flowers of the fifth season” Flora that belongs to a new time, yet to blossom.




Who are some artists that have influenced you?

-Jheronimus Bosch
-Otto Dix
-Phillip Guston
-Dana Schutz
-Phillip Guston
-Peter Saul
-Jim Nutt
-Karl Winsum
-Neo Rauch





Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

Just trying to live healthy. Its not easy sometimes. But I notice if I just get my rest and don’t act too foolish I can get my studio flow going. I need to be in a good state of mind to create stuff im happy with.



What is coming up for you? Any show? Fairs? Etc..?

At the moment some things are brewing in America . But that is yet to be announced. For the rest i’m just working on a allot of new works. Oil paintings, but also allot of watercolor drawings.