Most figures in my paintings are women because I tell the story from my point of view. When I do introduce a male figure, it's because his presence makes a particular emotion I am hoping to invoke in my paintings much stronger.

I feel very connected to the blue figure in.Tegenstroom (Reversed Stream). Many people find me strange because I lead a different lifestyle. And although I try to live my life the way I please, it's difficult to stand your ground against the mainstream. It is especially difficult because the media encourages this mass, conformed behaviour.

It is also difficult to stay true to yourself. I addressed this subject for the first time in my painting "De Golf" (Wave). I am convinced that women in particular should listen to their inner self. While emancipation has made it possible for woman to do more, it doesn't mean that women now have to do everything. We have to make choices. And only we, and not our partners, families or the media, can decide what we should do and how we should do it.

The moment I decided to paint "Pauw, pauw ik hou van jou" (Peacock, Peacock I Do Love You), I decided to start loving myself and to stop listening to what others had to say about me. I discovered reasons to be proud of myself, which is not the same as thinking that I'm perfect. Actually, the opposite is true. I'm not slim like a model and I make many mistakes. But I'm trying very hard to be a good person. I take care of myself and do everything out of love instead of fear or jealousy. I try to be aware of my feelings and my actions at all times.