Monique van Poelwijk

I feel like I want to make things that are tactile and can be kept. I have been a psychiatric nurse in the first 20 years of my life, and a teacher in the second 20 years of my life. I'm still working fulltime, from home, mainly writing coursebooks and designing lessons and assignments, and teaching a couple of hours (English and Dutch). But I hear these little voices telling me it's time to start focusing on the creative part of life and slow down!

I have no painting experience and I think of myself being a bad drawer. I do like all kinds of arts a lot, and I'm good at making my houses into homes. I'm really attracted to the work of Ana Victoria Caldero. The illustrations are so vibrant and playfull.

I live in Thailand, and I'm surrounded by the most amazing flora and fauna. The colors of nature are amazing. I hope that this course will bring me fun and joy, more than beautiful products.....but I must be honest, I secretely hope to make a beautiful painting every now and then...