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Ester van Zuylen Born in The Hague, Netherlands. 1951. Since 2004 I live in Greece, on the Ionian island of Ithaki. Part of my childhood was spent in North and South America and Asia. This had an influence on my work.
What interests me is the symbolic and spiritual aspect of art from every part of the world and of all times. By using symbolic images I try to find the connection between cultures, past and present, universal and individual symbolism. Mythical archetypes, animals and forces of nature are my subjects.
When I first came to Ithaki, an island in Greece, I painted images from folklore, nature and history on rounded pebbles. I also made hanging sculptures from natural materials that I found during my walks. My fascination with geometry and light resulted in a few small mandala-like paintings. Lately my attention has been drawn to icons, and the role they play in present and past Greek religion. Next to organising walking tours and painting, I design and make signs for many purposes.
The Netherlands
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I studied to become an art teacher and graduated in 1975. Teaching art (handicrafts and drawing) at schools and art-centres took up most of my time. Later I felt the need to expand my possibilities. I did additional courses in figure and portrait drawing, clay sculpture and silkscreen printing. Then I started to paint with oils and acrylics, and had my first exhibitions.
Ithaca, Greece