Meet Werner Bronkhorst

I came across Werner through a normal scroll of Instagram reels (the classic modern day search). It was of a stunning piece of canvas art he had created with what I assumed was plaster and fine line painting, so I instantly shared it to my stories because I thought the skill and talent to create such out the gate art was amazing!

Werner's creative take on art as well as the way he carefully crafts his pieces is so delicate and when you see the reels he makes on Instagram...you will agree his work is different and divergent. I haven't seen this kind of art before and it's great to see artists pushing the boundaries of ideas and creating pieces that speak to different people!

Check out his creative space @werner_bronkhorst and relish in the aesthetic and inspiration of his work, I love having the opportunity to share people's creative stories and for you as reader's to meet such awesome individuals. So, without further ado...

Meet Werner Bronkhorst...

WHAT DO YOU CREATE AND WHERE DID YOUR ART JOURNEY BEGIN?

My art journey began where everyone’s journey begins, drawing, stick figures of the people and places we see and meet as a toddler- I just never stopped!

I’ve always seen the world as a canvas, a big, abstract world with tiny people wandering around it. For that reason, I paint, abstract textured Artworks with realistic paintings of miniature people doing with humans do- skiing, snowboarding, surfing, sunbathing, driving cars, anything really.

WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

I’m inspired by the people I meet and the places I go. For that reason I think of a collection a long time before I start doing anything. But when the time comes I create small or large abstract artworks using any medium I’m fascinated by at the time. More recently I have used acrylic gels that I spread out on canvases, but I also use building materials as I am a furniture designer and craftsman. Once I’m satisfied with the backgrounds, I would then paint small figures of people doing all kinds of activities. Throughout the process I take videos that I compile to make a short films and add music, so others can see what I create.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN SIX WORDS?

Deep thinking, adventure seeking, art lover.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

Art museums, galleries and truly the world around me.

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN YOUR WORKSPACE?

Other than my canvases and paint, I can’t do without my phone to film the process and play music and podcasts. Oh, my beaten up water bottle and a candle.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE SPACE?

I’m a carpenter so everything in my studio- the cabinets, furniture and canvases are made by me to suit my vibe.

WHAT DRIVES YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

Creative freedom. I’m lucky enough to work on any project I want without feeling limited by galleries, time, finances or other stresses. This allows me to innovate and keep pushing my own limits.

DO YOU LISTEN TO ANYTHING WHEN YOU WORK?

Despite the occasional song or two when the mood is right, I listen to podcasts and audiobooks about philosophy, business and marketing.

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO FULFIL?

I think of new things everyday but at the same time I’m living the dream I’ve had since I can remember- being a grown up.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Knowing how to balance my work and personal life (as art and business is so intwined in my being).

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CREATIVITY? AND HOW DO YOU PUT THIS TO PRACTICE IN YOUR WORK?

Being able to innovate with new ideas, mediums, styles and ways of getting it out in the world. That takes some real creative thinking. I take in everything from the world around me and catalog it into ‘good’ and ‘less good’ ideas to use in my work and business. Whether it is the soap stains left on a pub table or the business plan of a clothing store- I implement all of this in my work.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING CREATIVES?

Start small and cheap and reinvest as much money into improving your skills tools, art and business.