Hildegarde Handsaeme

If I had to pick a favorite among my creations, I would choose Relaxing Blues. This piece resonates with me deeply due to its simplicity and the calming effect of the blue color. The minimalistic approach and clean lines allow the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the artwork without distractions. Blue, to me, symbolizes tranquility and introspection, qualities I feel are embodied in this work. Creating Relaxing Blues was a moment of pure artistic flow, where I found balance between form and color, which is a constant pursuit in my art.

When I was about six years old, I saw Picasso's work for the first time, and it took my breath away. I could spend hours studying his line drawings, admiring how he could create a complete image with a single line, stripping away the unnecessary elements. His ability to deconstruct and then reassemble figures in a fragmented way fascinated me endlessly. His use of color was captivating, and his ornamental touches felt almost magical. At sixteen, I shared a class with the son of a local artist, and I often thought to myself, "His father must be a happy man!" This thought stayed with me. Much later, at the age of 32, I found myself alone at home and, out of boredom, created two large drawings. I didn’t think they were particularly good or worthy of showing to anyone. However, my husband discovered them and shared them with a friend who had studied the visual arts. To my surprise, she appreciated the works and encouraged me to continue. That’s when I began taking classes at the Academy of Visual Arts in Overijse. Although the artistic spark had been lit, I had no intention of showcasing my work. Then, in 1993, I was astonished to see my name listed as an exhibitor at "Kunst in Overijse." Assuming it was a mistake, I contacted the Cultural Center, only to discover that my then-11-year-old daughter, Charlotte, had secretly submitted my name. During that exhibition, an established figure in the art world approached me. He advised me against continuing at the academy, warning that it might alter my unique style. He told me I had a distinctive way of drawing and an instinctive sense for color balance that was rare. He expressed amazement that I had developed such a recognizable style early on, something he said is only found in truly gifted artists. Today, I am rarely asked to sign my work because it has become so identifiable. My first exhibition outside the academy was a resounding success. And so, my journey as an artist continues...

If there’s one thing I want people to remember about my work, it’s the subtle complexity that lies within the simplicity. When a viewer takes the time to truly look at my work, I hope they’ll notice the thoughtful placement of each line. Some of my pieces may appear straightforward at first glance, yet they are often the ones where I invested the most time and study to position each line exactly where it needs to be. In my work, lines may stop and pick up elsewhere, creating an almost hidden connection across the canvas—whether as continuous paths or parallel echoes. I find joy in weaving these subtle, almost playful connections throughout my pieces, and it would be gratifying if viewers could pause to discover and appreciate these details.

My signature style developed organically over time, shaped by both my intuition and a deep love for simplicity and balance. From the beginning, I was drawn to clear, uninterrupted lines and harmonious compositions. I discovered that I could express complex emotions and ideas with minimal elements, letting each line and color hold its own weight and purpose. Rather than following trends or other artists' techniques, I focused on refining my own approach, trusting my instincts and exploring how far I could push simplicity without losing depth. Over the years, my style has continued to evolve, but the essence remains the same: an exploration of form, balance, and subtle connections between elements. It’s a style that’s become instantly recognizable, and I’m often told that my work doesn’t need a signature because it already bears my personal mark.

For aspiring artists, here are a few key pieces of advice:Stay true to yourself: Be inspired by others, but hold onto your unique voice. Authenticity is your strength. Embrace mistakes: Mistakes are learning opportunities. Each step contributes to your growth. Be patient: Art is a journey. Let your style develop organically without rushing.Experiment: Push boundaries and try new techniques. This can lead to unexpected discoveries. Build a network: Surround yourself with support and inspiration from others in the art world.Document your work: This helps track your progress and is essential for a professional portfolio. Learn the business side: Understanding marketing and the art market is key to a sustainable career. Find your niche: Experiment until you discover what truly resonates with you. Keep learning: Art is always evolving. Be open to new experiences and continue to grow. Celebrate your successes: Every step forward, no matter how small, is valuable. Enjoy the journey, embrace challenges, and let your passion guide you.

In my case, specific locations don’t really influence my work; instead, my inspiration comes entirely from within. My creative process is largely guided by my thoughts, ideas, and emotions rather than external places. I approach each piece with a clear vision in my mind, focusing on what I want to express rather than drawing from a physical setting.

I actually prefer to continue working with acrylic and ink, as I feel these mediums fully allow me to express my artistic vision. For now, I don't feel the need to explore other techniques or materials, as I find endless possibilities within the mediums I’m already using.

When I create a piece, I don’t think about interiors or specific spaces where it might end up. My focus is solely on expressing an idea or emotion. The artwork itself comes first, independent of where it will eventually be placed. If it resonates with someone and finds a home in their living space, that’s wonderful—but it’s not something I consider during the creative process.

Painting is actually something I do in my free time, as it’s my greatest passion. Beyond that, I enjoy the same things as anyone else—traveling, dining out, and celebrating with friends and family.

My advice to my younger self would be to trust in my own path and not worry too much about fitting into others' expectations. Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, stay patient, and remember that art is a journey. Enjoy each step, keep experimenting, and trust that your unique style will naturally develop over time.