Calming rose, energising orange blossom, ginger for its anti-nausea properties and sandalwood for grounding. New fact: our 100 % natural perfume is now available in 2 sizes.
There is a lot going on in artist Julie Haverkamp’s mind. Drawing is her way out. “I paint something the way I want it. That feels like a relief.” Especially to celebrate the launch of the 100ml Nurture edition she made the artwork Hug No.1 by Julie.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up in a creative family, with both grandfathers being architects, I always loved to draw and experiment with their tools and markers. This started my love for drawing and expressing myself creatively.
Along the way I wanted to broaden my path by taking my portrait in an abstract way. Letting go of my perfection of realism and getting lost in shapes. With my passion for design, colors, shapes and texture I created my first collection of paintings to share.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I want to work out of curiosity about what comes to mind. That is my most important source of inspiration.
Through school (Amfi) I discovered Mark Rothko, especially the way he painted. It was purely about the emotion he wanted to convey. I recognize that very much, but shapes also play an important role. For that I look at the work of Alexander Calder and Jean Miró. I am also inspired by the travels I make.
How did you start?
Drawing was always my escape, my way out when I was busy. During my studies at Amfi I was under a lot of stress and my passion for drawing became almost vital. No matter how busy I was or how difficult things were at school, when I started drawing portraits, I landed in another universe and came to rest. I decided to pursue a minor at ArtEZ, the art academy in Zwolle, and there a whole new world opened up for me. I started painting a lot more. At the end of that minor I submitted a series of portraits, some measuring 1 meter by 2.60 in size. Back at Amfi I continued making art and once I was allowed to exhibit paintings at my internship address Casa Gitane, things started to take off quickly.
Who did you paint for?
This summer work of mine was exhibited at De Republic, a beachclub in Bloemendaal, and after that I collaborated with a boutique hotel in Copenhagen, The Audo. I was there the year before with my mother and thought: what a great place, my work would fit very well here. Back home I sent the hotel an email with some pictures and in response they asked if we could collaborate. I just made sixteen works for them. Then an assignment for Harper's Bazaar came along. And now especially for Gray Label.
How did the wonderful work for Gray Label come about?
When I thought of Nurture I felt warmth and tranquility. This sensation was the source of the creative process of this work. With constructive elements that together become one, intimate and loving.
What is your ultimate “Nurture” moment?
For me Nurture means to relax and relish the small, warming moments. When I zoom out in my own world with my art and release my emotion on the canvas, it makes me look forward to the weekends to enjoy and take care of the people around me. This gives me new energy to start fresh at work the next week.
Thanks Julie, wonderful to talk with you and we feel so lucky to be able to share your beautiful work with our Nurture fans.
To celebrate this launch we give away 100 limited hand signed prints by Dutch artist Julie Haverkamp. Available to the first Nurture 100 ML customers.
