@anoukbohmer

Instagram: @anoukbohmer Website: www.anoukbohmer.nl

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I'm Anouk, 32 years old and living in The Netherlands. After closing my own store a few years ago, I felt sad not to work with my hands anymore ( I had a store for interior products, and selling paint and giving workshops), I found a picture of paper flowers. I ordered some paper and just started. I really loved to use my hands again.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I like to imitate nature. This is quite a challenge, but if it succeeds it gives a kick. I study real flowers and view a huge number of photos and read books. This way I see the beautiful details of the real flowers and try to copy them from paper.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

For me, that's crepe paper. And I use Italian paper from Cartotecnicarossi. It's the best. You can really shape the paper and they have so many colors. The best paper if you want to make paper flowers.

4. What is your artistic process like?

As I said I read a lot of books and study a lot of flowers. Then the creating process kicks in. I cut by hand and by experimenting a lot I can make the flower I want. It's a very time-consuming process, but when the flower is there it's all worth it.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I really love the amazing artist Ann Wood, she creates beautiful paper flowers and really has her own style. But the most inspiration I get from nature around me. When I see the blooms growing I just have to stop and see. And of course, take a lot of pictures.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

I think art is something that's always around but you do not always notice it. Because now I'm really into making my art; paper flowers. I get more in contact with other artists and I just love to see what people can make with there hands. When there will be no art, life won't be as colorful and amazing. I think artists show you their way of how they see the world in their art and that's sometimes a reflection of your own thoughts, but many times it gives you more inspiration by seeing their view and think about life.

7. Where did you study?

I am an artist by heart. For me, the title artist is sometimes overrated. So many people only say artist when you have a degree, but for me my whole life I felt the urge to create, but couldn't find the way to express myself. Finally, I have found my way, so I'm a self-taught artist.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope I have taken over The Netherlands with my art and let people see the beauty of my work. In my dreams, I have a creative studio where I can make the biggest flower pieces for special shows. And I hope I still find joy in making my art.

9. What about in ten?

Then I hope to have my own gallery, to give young artists the platform they need to show there work to the world.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I hope to let people think more about the beauty of nature. To let them feel the urge to be more careful about all the flowers and plants.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

I really love Schnitzel, rice, and peas, my favorite meal. Maybe it's because my grandmother is from Austria that I love so much.

12. Favourite book?

In the company of women, I really love to read about their jobs, life and advice.

13. Favourite genre of music?

The golden oldies, I really love Aretha Franklin, Queen. The music that makes me feel like dancing.

14. What are your hobbies?

I really like to take pictures and love to do it when I don't make flowers.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

I think I would go back to business as a shop manager, I just love to work and chat with people.