Meet the artist
About me
Hey, I’m Nele, the one who’s always got a sketchpad filled with birds. Birds are my thing—drawing, painting, doodling, you name it.
Before I jumped into the art school scene in Antwerp for a couple of years, I was already into paint and abstract vibes. But the art school views didn’t quite align with my “let’s see where this goes” approach. So I didn’t stay there for long.
My birds get it. They’re not into following the rules or caring about what others think. They’ve got this “do my own thing” attitude, and I love them for it.
When I started creating, I was all about abstract painting, just letting the paint do its thing. It’s messy, but that’s the fun part. Now, whether I’m drawing, painting, scribbling, or just letting my hand wander on the canvas, my birds are right there with me, doing their own thing. It’s a collaboration, you could say.
My art is about breaking free and inviting you to do the same. Check out more of my bird chaos (and maybe order some too) on my website or hit me up on social.
Why birds?
So, why birds? It’s a question I get a lot, and my birds would probably respond with a nonchalant “because, that’s why.”. And sure, if you really want more info, I’ll do my maximum effort:
As a child, I found solace in watching birds in the garden, and that fascination never faded. There’s something uplifting about birdsong—whether on a rainy day or in the warmth of sunshine.
Here’s the thing about birds—they embody simplicity. They appear to lead an easy life, always there, tweeting around, and munching on seeds. Their structure is basic, a round blob with feet. And yet, they are also complex as heck. They live in constant danger, navigate elaborate communication patterns, have small different feathers, intricate structures, and a myriad of color shadings.
I revel in this contrast—between the simple and the complicated, the basic and the grounded, and the ability to fly freely. In my art, I make them big or tiny, detailed or basic with simple lines. They can look cute and innocent, but I like throwing in a bit of rudeness and insult.
Birds become a canvas where we project whatever we want. I can’t help but project my emotions and personality traits onto them, and I’ve noticed everyone does. They say or do what I might not dare to. But it’s not always a reflection of me; sometimes, it’s just a flow—letting them speak and seeing what follows.
