It’s the time of the year we look back to the year that’s almost gone. Fortunately, the past year was a happy year for Wondrous Goose. I exhibited at some very nice places. I did well in a few international competitions. Making new work came easily to me.  And I met some inspiring people who all make beautiful and extraordinary things. I am grateful for the past year. In this overview, I showcase some of the best experiences.

PX3, IPA and Color Awards

I entered my work in some international competitions. And I did well! It is very nice for my ego that I got recognition. And it was just great fun to go to Paris with my wife to see my work in Gallery 24b. (Photo). But most of all, I hope this will ensure that a wider audience is going to see my work. I like very much making these surreal animal collages. I hope that in the long run, this will contribute to more sales worldwide. So that I can keep doing what I do for a living.

Silver Winner – Prix de la Photographie Paris | PX3
‘The laundry boys, the white pony, the three doves’, and the rest of the series that I had entered won me silver in the Prix de la Photographie Paris! This work has been showcased (projection) at the Winners Exhibition in Paris in November 2023.

Honorable mention – International Photography Awards
Series of six Surreal Animal Collages.

Nominee – International Color Awards
‘The Swallows swimming class‘ was nominated in this international contest

Location, location, Location!

My work and I visited beautiful places last year! For example, I exhibited in a church twice. The Baptist church ‘Het Lam’ in Blokzijl (photo) and the church in Ditzum (DE). The latter church was a location at the Ditzumer Kunsttage. I got to exhibit here for two days with Johran Koning. We had a very good time in ‘our’ church. I am not a religious person, but I like to visit churches because they are always special places.

Also in Germany, I participated in an art market in an old brick factory in Midlum (DE). Back in Holland, I exhibited at the annual Art Fair at Nienoord Castle, which is such a beautiful location. I felt completely Downton Abbey there. Every moment I expected Lady Mary Talbot to walk out of the parkland garden somewhere.

New Artwork

I have enjoyed creating new collages this year

I just counted that the new cards and fine art prints collectively include 39 animals. The animals that appear in the artwork are 2 dogs, 1 red deer, 1 pony, 13 sheep, 1 polar bear, 1 rook, 3 pigeons, 1 crow, 1 kingfisher, 1 peacock, 4 geese, 1 hare, 1 seagull, 2 prairie dogs, 3 penguins, 1 fish, 1 fox mongoos and 1 turkey. Just in case you think I forgot some, I sometimes use images twice, or sometimes I have multiple photos of the same animal.

The new works that I have released as fine art print, as well as a postcard, are King of the Moon and My black dogs (featured).  The Laundry Boys, the white pony, and the three doves won Silver at the PX3. You can see and buy these artworks in my Shop. Top Hat Act and The Flying Flock are just printed as postcards for now. You can find all the postcards on Etsy

PS: I made two Collages Humboldt the Pinguin and Ricky and the Clutter Fish in the very last week of this year. I think Humboldt will be on a postcard only and Ricky will be both; a postcard and fine art print

Shops, Markets and Exhibitions

In 2023, my work was still represented by MicksArt. And it was showcased at the lovely and colorful Galerie Paterwolde. Online is my work featured at the Photographize Magazine online gallery. At this moment, I am planning some exhibitions for next year. One exhibition is already for sure. On this page, you can read about upcoming events and exhibitions. 

I sold my postcards and prints at many markets this year. It is nice to meet and chat with people who buy my work. Like the teacher who bought one from each postcard, she uses them now for her students to learn to write stories. I like the parents who allow their kids to choose One Postcard. These decision-making kids are so cute. And I love the people who take their reading glasses and look at all the cards one by one and then smile…

Sometimes people want to sell my cards in their shops. At this moment Wondrous Goose postcards are available in a few shops. You can find them at Framingshop ‘Onder de Molen’ in Hoogeveen, Chocolaterie ‘De Kolibrie’ in Hoogeveen, and at DITZUManufaktur (DE)

Getting inspired

As an artist, you should never forget to wander around. That’s one of the great things about this work :-) Just walking, seeing beautiful things, not necessarily with a purpose. ( A wise man once said to me: ‘Choose well what you want to fill your head with’. It’s an advice I still take to heart)

I’m so glad I live in such a beautiful area with forests and moors. I love straying here, usually together with our dogs, but also often just me and my camera.
My brother is cut from the same cloth, he too loves to be outside and take long walks with his dog. He lives in a different part of the Netherlands, where purple herons live. This summer he took me on Expedition Purple Heron. I had never seen these birds before. But thanks to him, I have now! And I have photos. So who knows, there will be another collage with a purple heron.