Robert van den Herik

Robert van den Herik is a contemporary Dutch artist based in Belgium. He draws inspiration from magical realism and surrealism, with influences from Salvador Dali and Carel Willink. Initially, he worked in the medical field but later studied product design at the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He became a product designer and created the Shantala baby bath. Since 2017, Robert has focused on painting in the style he loves most: magical realism and surrealism. His paintings are known for their surreal yet harmonious and desolate settings, often featuring objects that he designed himself, like his standing lamp.

How does your background shape your work?

My first exposure to pigment and color came from my grandfather, who was a painter and decorator. I grew up in a privileged family with open-minded, modern parents who traveled extensively and gave me the freedom I needed. Unfortunately, both of my parents passed away at a young age. This experience gave me the opportunity, energy, and insight to pursue my true passion: immersing myself in the world of art and design. At the age of 30, I began my studies at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The processes of design and production felt both challenging and familiar. During my studies, I was able to combine my passion for approaching things differently, my technical skills, and my drive for aesthetics.

I designed furniture, the Shantala baby bath, lighting fixtures, garden decorations, and in all of these objects, you can recognize the same elements as in my paintings: an inventive, romantic, harmonious, organic approach, always using sustainable, natural materials.

In many of my paintings, I incorporate my own designed furniture. For instance, my favorite floor lamp in "Looking forward to go home," the little clock in "Once upon a time" and "Tea time," and the table-cupboard in "Cupboard resurrection."

Which artists have had the biggest impact on your work?

During my early years, I developed a deep appreciation for the artistic styles of Carel Willink, known for his magical realism, and Salvador Dali, celebrated for his surrealism. Their ability to portray grandeur, stormy weather, and romantic tragedies has left a lasting impression on me. I find myself particularly inspired by their depictions of the sky, clouds, and the emotions they convey. As an artist, I strive to infuse my paintings with a combination of magical realism and surrealism, drawing from the influences of these two masters.

What is your favorite form of artistic expression?

I prefer using oil paint as my medium, especially on a wooden surface measuring 81 by 122 cm. I personally handle every step of the process, including sawing the wood to size, sandpapering, reinforcing the back, and designing the wooden frame. I make sure to date and sign the back of the painting, and I also include a small painting of my favorite designed floor lamp.

Where do you find inspiration?

In my world, everything I encounter becomes a potential subject for my art. Take, for instance, "Halfway across the world": within this piece, you'll find two mice from my home (where I once coexisted with three cats), a gracefully elongated vase from a Tongeren flea market, the sea reminiscent of my Belgian coast holidays, and the mountains evoking memories of my travels to the Moroccan Atlas. The challenge of melding these disparate elements into a harmonious composition while preserving their individual essence is what propels and captivates me. Every brushstroke, color choice, and material selection is made with meticulous care, contributing to the allure and depth of my work.

Describe how art is important to society.

Art has the power to awaken and stimulate us. It can leave us with the feeling that there is more to imagine, a future to look forward to, or someone who understands us. It offers glimpses of what the future may hold. In today's world, people have more time, tools, and ways to connect, making art a way to express and address social needs.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success can take on different forms for artists. They tell stories that yearn to be heard and evoke emotions that long to be felt. For me, the essential part of success lies in having my paintings seen, even more so than having them sold. When my art is seen, it can inspire, create connections, and elicit emotional responses. Selling my paintings is a recognition and materialization of appreciation, allowing me to feel confident to continue and to experiment with my art.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

After undergoing a serious operation, I developed epilepsy and felt insecure. However, painting gave me a sense of acceptance and encouraged me to be grateful. Creating in this way is the foundation for my joyful contemplation. My art also challenges me to improve my skills so that I can express myself exactly as I envision, using my favorite magical, surrealist, harmonious, and romantic style. I love to depict sea, sky, animals, classic buildings, and use my favorite colors.

How do you develop your art skills?

I make sure to practice painting nearly every day for several hours, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. Additionally, I carefully observe other paintings online and by visiting galleries and museums. To develop specific skills, such as painting clouds, I took a course with expert Jan Hendrik Dolsma.

How can your work affect societal issues?

I don’t think my work will have a significant impact on social issues because that is not my intention. However, I believe my paintings can provide comfort and evoke feelings of peace, harmony, relaxation, and surprise. My paintings often feature unusual elements in a desolate landscape, telling a magical story. I aim to show in my paintings that beautiful things and beings will endure. The objects in my paintings, such as vases, animals, architectural buildings, and my own designs, are removed from their comfort zones and placed in an unusual, often desolate landscape. This may convey a sense of melancholy, but also bring hope as they remain intact and undamaged.

How do you navigate the professional art industry?

My artwork is exhibited online through various platforms such as ArtRewards, Saatchi Art, Artsy, and Artmajeur. Furthermore, I curate my personal website to showcase the furniture designs I have created in the past. Engaging in Instagram, I share my latest artistic creations and express my passion for photography while establishing connections with fellow artists. Despite the considerable time and effort required to promote and sell my art, I remain committed to this endeavor, recognizing it as an integral aspect of the artistic process. My approach is characterized by sustained activity, connectivity, perseverance, and patience.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of professional art?

My favorite part of painting is the process itself. Picking up the oil colors and experiencing the birth and growth of a new painting fills me with joyful contemplation. I enjoy looking for a subject, sketching the composition (I sketch many drafts before deciding on one good enough to be painted), buying all the necessary supplies, preparing the wood, and making the frame. However, the actual act of painting is what I enjoy the most. The negotiations required in the selling process are my least favorite part of these processes.

What have critics and collectors said about your work?

My paintings often inspire people to meditate because of the harmonious balance in colors and composition. Viewers experience a lovely blend of classic architecture and surrealism, or catch a glimpse of a futuristic scene in which they can lose themselves in a dream. Most of the time, people report feeling a sense of balance and elegance when they view my work. They often mention the care and precision with which the painting is created.

What factors influence the price of your work?

I primarily base the price of my paintings on the size, as I use the same materials for each one. Additionally, the price increases as my skill progresses. Over time, I have developed more skill, sold more paintings, and made more connections, which has led to an increase in the prices of my paintings. Although I sometimes feel tempted to price my favorite works higher, I usually manage to resist this urge.

How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?

Since retiring, I now have my own workspace at home. Previously, my workspace was located in a large old factory managed by Stichting Ateliers Maastricht in The Netherlands. My wife, Inke Bemelmans, who is a graphic painter and poet, also has her own studio at home. She is my partner in creation, love, and understanding. Being in this situation allows us to give and receive honest second opinions on our artwork and share priceless ideas.

What's your message for the other artists?

Thank you for your incredible artwork! Standing out in the art world can be tough, but defining your own style and staying true to it is even tougher. Don't lose your courage – stay proud, confident, and patient. Keep that curiosity alive and continue amazing us all.

Uncover the brilliance of Robert van den Herik's amazing work. For an extra dose of inspiration, make sure to visit his profile and explore his stunning creations.