Interview

Jan 31

Mark Dingemanse

Mark Dingemanse is a passionate and dedicated oil painter who embarked on his artistic journey in the summer of 2022. Despite being relatively new to the art scene, Dingemanse has already made a profound impact with his works. Inspired by the beauty of nature and his close proximity to the sea, Mark finds solace and inspiration in the powerful forces of the natural world. Mark's artistic style can be described as dark and introspective.His paintings often explore the interplay between life and death, light and shadow. Through his art, Dingemanse invites viewers to contemplate the transient nature of life.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I had always had an interest and a knack for drawing, sketching, and being creative. But never felt the "drive” to make a piece, or a series of something; call it a lack of inspiration. Maybe something far taking had to occur in my life to give my art the jump start it deserved.
In June 2021, my grandmother, aged 92, passed away. She had spent most of her life in her cozy coastal home in Zoutelande, nestled against the dunes, just a short stroll from the beach, and right around the corner where I live.
As the family was grieving, practical matters needed attention. Sorting and dividing her possessions among her children and grandchildren became a necessary task. Among her belongings was a painting of our hometown, featuring her cherished dune-facing house, a piece of art she treasured. I appreciated this artwork for what it was. Every delicate and expressive brushstroke. Every subtle play of light and shadows. Strangely, no one else in the family wanted it, but I knew I could give it a loving home. Man, if I could do something like this. I mean, I could sketch, and draw, with pencils, but this, a painting, was something completely different. You would need to go to art school for years, right? Practice day and night.
So, that's what I did, practice day and night. Then, I saw the painting I got from my grandmother! With a flash of lightning from the storm outside, I felt a bolt of inspiration running through my body. I could do it! Why not? You have to start somewhere, right? All the self-doubt and negative energy left my body, just by looking at that beautiful painting. This is what inspiration feels like! It would be a shame to waste it. It was perfectly clear to me that I needed to change the medium; feeling just drawing with gray, black and white pencil stripes would not be sufficient to express the feelings I wanted to share. I ordered some painting materials right away: brushes, paints, canvas, even an easel. My wife thought I was going crazy! Until I finished my very first painting! I was so proud of myself, and so was everybody around me. And I bet my grandmother would be too. Realizing this is what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my life, I painted every day since then, really every day!”

What inspires you?

“As a professional oil painter, my inspiration is deeply rooted my surroundings and personal experiences. Living in a very small coastal town "Zoutelande" literally a 2 minute walk from the Northsea. The proximity to the sea and dunes serves as a constant inspiration, influencing the colors, textures, and moods in my artwork. The ebb and flow of the tides and the windswept landscapes contribute to the dynamic energy in my paintings. My love for animals, particularly birds, horses, and domestic animals intertwines with my artistry.
Difficult times in my life have greatly influenced how I express myself through art. Instead of avoiding these experiences, I embrace them as inspiration. They give my work depth and authenticity, letting me explore human emotions and the beauty that can come from tough times. The recurring themes of skulls and ravens in my paintings represent life and death. These symbols let me explore mysterious and deep ideas, encouraging viewers to think about the cycles of existence and the beauty in balancing light and dark. Speaking of balance, the interplay between light and dark is a big theme in my art.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“As a professional oil painter, my work reflects the profound influences of my coastal surroundings, love for animals, and the delicate balance between light and dark. In essence, my paintings are a visual narrative of the beauty found in the natural world, the complexities of human experience, and the perpetual dance between joy and despair. Each piece encourages contemplation of the elements that shape our journey through life.”

“As a professional oil painter, my work reflects the profound influences of my coastal surroundings, love for animals, and the delicate balance between light and dark.”

How would you describe your work?

“My artistic style can be described as dark and introspective. My paintings often explore the interplay between life and death, light and shadow, and the fragility of human existence.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists. One significant influence is Mark Maggiori, whose contemporary approach to Western art resonates with me. His ability to infuse traditional subjects with a modern aesthetic has had a lasting impact on my artistic perspective. Additionally, being immersed in the rich artistic history of Holland has deeply influenced my work. The Dutch Masters, with their mastery of light, shadow, and intricate details, serve as a timeless source of inspiration. A visit to the Rijksmuseum a couple of years ago provided me with a profound connection to the legacy of Dutch painters, influencing my technique and thematic choices.”

What is your creative process like?

“I always carry an old fashioned notebook with my. At the strangest moments a idea pops up in my mind, or I see a scene that speaks to me. So, I need to write it down fast, or even make a very quick raw sketch just so the excitement I feel doesn't slip away. Every day, I go trough this notebook and add or lose to keep the creative process in my mind going. Then its time to put something on paper, or on the canvas. Usually, I first make some sketches in my sketchbook, creating a composition, and thinking about the colours. Sometimes, the image in my mind is so clear that I put the sketch on the canvas right away, and start adding the paint quickly. I always add the oil paint in layers, working from thin to thick. Making sure the last layer brings over the expressive brush marks that gives the paintings the unique look. Sometimes, a final layer of glazing is added to make some parts pop out, or make them fade away.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“An artist's role in society is changing, mixing tradition with modern trends. As an oil painter, I see my job as more than just showing pictures - it's about making people think and talk. My paintings, touching on topics like the beauty in death, aim to inspire ideas and even bring about change. Nowadays, artists benefit from the internet and digital platforms, letting them connect with people worldwide. Looking forward, an artist's job will probably keep growing as technology, culture, and worldwide connections shape how we do art. My goal is to be part of this ongoing story, giving people a place to think, get inspired, and connect through shared human experiences.”