First of all my inspiration comes from the everyday conversations I have on the streets, waiting in line at the supermarket and with my friends and neighbours.
The book ‘People like us’ from Dutch journalist Joris Luijendijk and the documentary 'Which way is the frontline from here?' about Tim Hetherington gave me new insights into my personal role as a storyteller besides only being a photographer. Tim’s views inspired me so much that I wrote a personal article about it.
On Dutch TV I love to watch programs like Metropolis TV. In this program they ask local reporters in different countries to make an item around themes like love sickness, toothaches or heavy metal. Comparing these themes feels so recognizable. The daily program from Man bijt Hond (man bites dog) shows us the real Netherlands without frills. I also love the commercials from DELA (1,2), where people surprise their loved ones with the simple message about how much they love them.
Not to forget the story Christmas Truce where German and British soldiers became friends for a short moment during Christmas. They exchanged tobacco and a chocolate cake, played football and sang songs together, but the leaders ordered them to go back in the trenches to continue the war.
In a file on my computer I collect images from photographers and painters like Diane Arbus, Mary Ellen Mark, August Sander, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Aïda, Muluneh, Petrovsky & Ramone, Bruce Weber, Rineke Dijkstra, Ilja Repin, René Magritte and Georgia O'Keeffe.
