Interview
Arco Bruinenberg
Shape, light and absolutely color! With a firm brushstroke, Arco brings movement to his colorful compositions. His work is more than just a showcase of artworks; it's proof of the healing power of creativity and the endless possibilities that arise when you dare to dream in color. Arco's work takes you on a journey to his heart full of creativity where every paint stroke tells a story and every color sings.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have been painting since I was little. At school, I was mainly good at the creative subjects. Yet, I did not attend art school or painting lessons. After many different studies and working in retail for a long time, I fell into a severe depression at the end of 2022. During the treatment of this depression, I rediscovered my creativity and passion for painting.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work has no political or social message. With my work, I want to make people think. Let them reflect on their feelings. In my opinion, reflection is a very good therapy as long as it is realistic. I also hope that my characteristic use of color also makes people happy. Color has and gives so much power. So let's use it.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“When I start painting I never have a fully thought out plan. I do know which colors I want to start with. The paint goes directly onto the canvas and then I sweep with the brush until I am satisfied. Once the background is ready I will add the squares, then the stripes and finally the frames. When placing this, I look carefully at the colors of the background. In this way I look for a balance between contrast and complement.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I find trends a bit complicated. Especially with art. I hope and believe that art comes from someone's unlimited passion. As an artist it is difficult to find a balance between being commercial and artistic. You have to spend so much time on marketing, time that you want to use to create new art. In short, I like to throw trends overboard and follow my own path.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“Because I work with many different layers, acrylic paint is most suitable for me. Also because there are good metallic colors in acrylic paint. As for brushes, I use 1 large brush with very soft synthetic bristles for the background. For the squares, lines and frames I use sensitive painter's tape and small brushes. Unfortunately I don't have my own studio yet, but for now I work well from home. I have a nice easel where my canvases stand.”
“With my work, I want to make people think. Let them reflect on their feelings. In my opinion, reflection is a very good therapy as long as it is realistic.”
What does your art mean to you?
“For me, making art is a way to clear my head, to make me feel good, to get closer to myself. You could actually say that art is therapy for me. Seeing art gives me inspiration and motivation to get started. It also makes me curious about the meaning, the process and the person. I am therefore firmly convinced that art lessons, both practical and theoretical, should be available to students at all schools. Regardless of education level or home situation.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“I find that a difficult, perhaps even impossible question. There are so many great artists. As a Dutch man, I may not be objective, but the work of Vincent van Gogh really appeals to me. Particularly, his last works. So colorful despite his dark thoughts at that moment. A contemporary artist who really appeals to me in terms of color and style is Fabian Utta from Germany. He makes colorful and modern portraits. When it comes to a favorite work of mine, it is the work 'On clouds'. The work makes me feel good. I like to have my head in the clouds, lost in my own daydreams and thoughts.”
Website: www.artbyarcobruinenberg.nl
Instagram: @art_by_arcobruinenberg
Brush Bio: brush.bio/artbyarcobruinenberg
