Etsy Artist Interview - Nancy Van den Bloom

It has been a while since I've written in my blog. Things have gotten busy in my life (this includes lots of Etsy sales - over 60 in a 3 day period), but now that things are calming down again, it's time to get back to business.


I have been wanting to share this interview with my readers for a while. This Etsy European is an artist that lives in the Netherlands. Before I read her answers to my interview questions, the thing that was most striking to me about her work is her broad brush strokes, her use of color, and her wide range of theme. Since reading her interview, I am very much taken by how her creativity seemed to always lie in the background of her life, although one can say that she's always been in touch with her creative side. In reading about how she came to develope a new relationship with her internal creative self, I get the sense of feeling that her creative self somehow was able to rush forward and envelope her, almost swallow her whole with great energy and exuberance. It seems to me in any case that this rushing forward, in almost a sense of abandonment can be seen in her work, the brush strokes and the colors I first fell in love with.

I have chose a variety of her paintings to show her range of ability, but one must check out her Etsy shop as well as her own website to get a true feel for her talent.


With no further ado, here is the interview.

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Name: Nancy van den Boom
Age: 50
Married/Children: I live with Cor and my two children, daughter Roos (15 years old) and Son Bas (22 years old) and 3 three cats.
Occupations: painter/artist and accountmanager internal facilities for the beautiful city of Haarlem.

Important Links: Nancy Van den Bloom Etsy Shop, Nancy Van den Bloom Homepage, and Nancy Van den Bloom Blog

Where did you grow up and what did you like best about it?

I grew up in the village of Heemskerk in the Netherlands, a place close to the dunes and the NorthSea with sandy beaches. A wonderful place to grow up. Lots of space to play outside, ride horses, dwelling and experience nature, weather and all the nice things of being outside which I love so much. The house where I lived with my parents and brother was half a mile from the castle “Assumburg” , which was a youthhostel . This castle and its function made my youth very special. Lots of foreign visitors, people to talk with and even work in the weekends, when I was 15.

I prepared breakfast, cleaned the bedrooms and it was a very nice opportunity to explore the castle and almost feel at home in this special, romantic place.
I also had the possibility of ride the horse of the farmer next to the youth-hostel and I had a great time there. I still remember it all so well and I cherish the memories of it all. I had a very happy childhood.

Where do you live and what is the best part of living there?

Now I live in an even smaller village not far from the castle I described. The village is called Uitgeest. It is near a lake with lots of recreation, flat land with cattle, dunes nearby and luckily, also the NorthSea. I like it a lot to live in this village, I am familiar with the surroundings and enjoy the rural touch of it. And the cities Haarlem, Alkmaar and Amsterdam are very close (about 30 minutes drive), so when we look for something else than rural elements for a day, it’s easy to do. We can visit these towns with all the wonderful elements like art, culture, shops, movies, people and restaurants and then go back to the “peace” of our village. Here we can smell the grass!

Is there a particular secret about where you live that only the locals know?

I don’t think the people in my village are very good at keeping a secret longer than 1 hour! They love to discuss all, and very much in the open. Perhaps it would be a nice secret that there’s a treasure on the bottom of the lake (a non-discovered painting of Vincent van Gogh in a big trunk, I would love to dive it up!).

What term would you use to describe your creative talent: artist/craftsman(woman)/creator/other. Why is it you see yourself in this way?

I see my talent as an intuitive creator. I just put up a canvas and grasp those brushes! I kind of intuitively check the connection between me and the subject that I choose. If it feels ok, I start painting and if I don’t feel a connection, I let it go and start looking for something else. In this way I keep on working in the flow.

How did you begin with this creative process and how does it add to your life?

I used to draw a lot as a child and my father was quite an example for me. And I remember he played a lot with light in his work and I loved it. When I was a teenager I didn’t draw so much any more, other interests…Both of my parents are very creative, my mother did wonderful watercolors, she discovered this also quite late in her life, but was always creating, like making cloths for her and me and my dolls. So for a long time (from my 14th till my 44th) no painting or drawing….

In 2004 I had a negative, frustrating feeling about my work and I asked myself lots of questions about changing my career. I looked for help and got advice from an internal advisor, who works with people that got stuck in their work, like me at that time. She had clever strategies to get people in contact with what they really love, their passions. For example, I had to write a fake diary about my dreamed life when I would be in the right place doing what I love. I remember visualizing myself as an author at the time. I had no problem at all visualizing this! It was a great feeling. Another task was to make a painting of myself. I painted (with acrylic, no experience but for school) a tree, with strong roots, some broken branches, lots of light. I liked it a lot to paint I noticed. I thought, wow what’s this? She was surprised with what I presented her. I started another painting, a selfportrait of me, at 8. I remember thinking this is really me and I loved the vibrancy of this early painting. I loved to paint and quite fast I tried oil paint and that’s when I ultimately fell in love with painting. This medium was really mine and I painted very much in a short time. I painted so much I forgot about the problems at work so the advisor had done a wonderful job letting me discover my passion. From that moment on I developed my skills quite quickly since I painted every day, like crazy almost and wanted to learn. I had no education and found it all out by myself, on my own. In 2 years I got lots of commissions, even big ones (portrait of 5 people for a magazine) and I must admit, this was going all very, perhaps, too fast. The pressure got high and I forgot to enjoy almost.

Where you creative before this time? If so, what other creative arts do/did you dabble in?

I did a part-time education directing movies and made quite “non-professional” but quite ambitious movies, together with Cor, who’s a great cameraman/photographer. Together we made a 40-minutes fiction-movie (I made script, did direction) with which we became the champions of the non-professional league in the Netherlands and the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxumburg). We also made a shortfilm on making coffee. Sounds dull and like daily routine, but in this shortfilm making coffee is full of suspense, and we managed to make this ordinary subject quite special by giving it a glamorous and suspense-look. When the cup of coffee is prepared in the end of the film, it looks like a great achievement. This was fun of course.
I loved making films, it’s a great process from scratch to showing an audience, but it’s a very intense, energy-swallowing exercise with lots of people (just like the work I do), locations and technique. Painting is something I do by myself, no negotiations, just color, composition, my own ideas, I love working like this. It’s very good to keep balance for me.

Is there something in particular that you find inspiring?

There is so much that inspires me! But in particular…it isn’t going to be a very suprising answer I fear: nature, light and shadows, colors.

When you have a quiet moment to indulge yourself and there’s no one around to bother you, what is it you like to do best?

Hot bathtub, lots of foam, smell of perfume, candlelight with enough light to read a wonderful book, and ideas in my head for a new painting!

What type of music are you listening to at the moment? What does this music do for you?

I like lots of music. Soul like Al Green, Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and some jazz too, like Ella Fitzgerald. The mood, the swing, the warmth of heart is what I love about this music. And I can sing along many of the songs, since I hear them such a long time already. It always brings me in a good mood, if needed…

Where is the place that you have visited in the past, that you have particular fond memories of? Why?

It is a place in the Netherlands I visited last year, B&B De Ziel in Diepenheim. I was surprised by my own country. A green region so close, so inviting and wonderful. I spent 4 wonderful days there with Cor, the two of us. That was really special because we enjoyed the simple things in life so much: a good hotel, good bikes to ride on, the sun in our faces.

Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview that you feel our readers should know?

Being able to create is of the important things to be really happy for me. I wish all people to live out their creativity, for themselves but also for all those who can enjoy what we create. Therefore I am so glad I discovered ETSY!

Etsy Artist Interview - LaTouchables

My next interview is with a person who I greatly admire, and with whom I have begun to have a developing friendship with. What impresses me most with Dawn is how wide spreading her skills are. Most Esty artists, myself included, work with one type of medium, make one type of article though with perhaps variations on the theme.


Dawn on the other hand seems to be able to use her skills to create clothing, jewelry, handbags and totes as well as other accessories. I'm quite amazed of where her creativity takes her. And I was very glad that she agreed to take part in this interview with me.


Name: Dawn
Age: 49
Married/Children: Married, with a cat, no children
Occupation: Artist, crafter, language consultant
Important Links: LaTouchables Bags and Things, LaTouchables Etsy Store

Where do you live and what is the best part of living there?

I live in Southern Germany, near the Rhine, where the sun often shines and one can get good wine…and there are a network of bike trails that go on forever, we are close to France, I sit practically in the lap of the Pfalz mountains, considered by some to be Germany’s Tuscany. Our village is surrounded by woods…we are close to some big cultural centers…so many great things about living here!

Is there a particular secret about where you live that only the locals know? That the tourists would flock to your local if they heard the slightest rumour of it?

Yes, we have some of the best white asparagus in the world. It’s a delicacy, and we get fat off it when it’s in season!




What term would you use to describe your creative talent: artist/craftsman(woman)/creator/other. Why is it you see yourself in this way?

I consider myself an intuitive creator. It has a lot to do with curiosity and desire. Craft is an integral part of it—I don’t like to work shoddy—but I work best when I am inspired. I’m always inspired, so that’s not an issue. It’s wise to step back when you feel a lack, do something genuinely different, and when you get back to the drawing room, you have power and imagination.

How did you begin with this creative process and how does it add to your life?

I began thinking this way as a young child, probably before my concious memory. I was lucky to grow up in a family that encouraged the arts, so it became a way of life. As far as crafting was concerned, I was only carrying on legacies set by my forefathers—in the days of yore (well into my parent’s generation, and thus influencing me), it was a matter of pride that you did something well, and it was also a matter of neccessity. You couldn’t just make a blanket and have it fall apart on you…when you made a loaf of bread, you made sure it had no big airbubbles in the dough—that bread had to feed a big family. When you made your own clothes, you made them to fit and show youself off—you invested time and effort. So when I make something practical, I want it to last, wear well, look good.

Were you creative before this time? If so, what other creative arts do/did you dabble in?

I got my education at a big university, beginning with classical performance arts, namely the violin. Mid-studies I switched to painting and the visual arts, painting large mural-size neo-expressionist paintings. I’d drawn and painted my whole life, so it was really my choice. I made forays into metalsmithing, which I adored. I still take classes now and again. I spent years taking modern dance classes. A completely different discipline can only enhance your imagination, I believe!


Can you remember the first creation that you made?

Yes, I was four years old, and I found a drawing of a butterfly I had done when I was three—as if I had found an artifact of my earlier life—I was blown away by the colors, I couldn’t believe how beautiful they were. Of course, my mom loaded praise on me. Parents should do that with their children, to establish early feelings of well-being and comfort in the arts.

Is there something else that you made that you are particularily proud of?

I decided to braid a rug, once. I devised a plan, bought the material for pennies at a warehouse, cut strips, finished the edges, braided it, sewed it together by hand, and we’ve had it on our floor for ten years, in front of the sofa.

Is there something in particular that you find inspiring?

Nature, other artists, other ‘thinkers’, my friends and family. I love literature.



Do you have a particular customer (on or off the internet) that you remember particularly well for good reasons?

I have a few customers who have encouraged me. I value their comments and contacts enormously!

How would you envision the perfect dinner? Who would be there (famous/family/fictional/etc)? Would it be formal/informal? What would be served?

For me the perfect dinner would be with one person, at a small table on a street, or a blanket on the beach.

What type of music are you listening to at the moment? What does this music do for you?

It varies. I like music that takes me outside of me…I’m into the music experience! That could be some pop song on the radio or something totally out there—like a recorded street scene from Africa, or anywhere, anything with a beat.

Where is the place that you have visited in the past, that you have particular fond memories of? Why?

There are so many places, but Morocco was my virgin voyage, and made a tremendous impact on me. I lived for months in one city, with a family of a friend, who, inspite of my strangeness took me in and treated me respectfully as a member of their family, tolerating my eccentricities and encouraging my forays into their culture.

Where is the one place you would really like to travel to one day? Why?

I’m open. I even get excited about desolate places, lonely truckstops, tops of volcanos, looking into the other side…

Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview that you feel our readers should know?

Yes, in the beginning there was fire. Making and keeping fire was an effort, a craft, an art.

Interview from Finland

My next interview is from a women on the complete opposite side of Scandinavia from me. Minna comes from Finland and has a very unique type of artistic style that goes straight to my heart. Her Etsy store KARUSKI is also the word used for candy in the local Finnish dialect that she speaks. This is what her products remind me of: pure and simple candy from days that have long gone by; candy which is sweet and savory, but not too sweet. And not guady with neon colors, 10 different layers of taste as well as the artificial chemicals that are so present in today's candy and today's world.


I am very proud to present this interview and hope that everyone takes a chance to sneak a peek at her works.

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Name: Minna
Age: 36
Married/Children: In a long term relationship
Occupation: crafter/designer, self employed
Important Links: etsy, blog, site, twitter

Where do you live and what is the best part of living there?

I live in Southern Finland. This is a small town within an hour drive to Helsinki. The best part of living in here is definitely the beautiful nature.

What term would you use to describe your creative talent: artist/craftsman(woman)/creator/other. Why is it you see yourself in this way?

I'm formally educated as a textile designer. However I feel I'm more into making by hand than drawing patterns. So I'd call myself a crafter. It holds a holistic idea about good life in general.

How did you begin with this creative process and how does it add to your life?

Even though I have wandered several paths in my life I don't think there never was another bearable solution for me than what I'm having right now. Being a full time crafter and living a self employed life suits me the best (regardless some occasional obstacles and financial insecurity I have to face).

Were you creative before this time? If so, what other creative arts did you dabble in?

I started with drawing and painting at kids art school at the age of 6 and went to these classes on weekly basis until I turned 12 or 13. That was the start and later on I've studied basics for other mediums of fine art and aesthetics (philosophy of art). However at some point it was clear to me I wouldn't be able to live as a free artist so I sifted towards textile studies.

When you have a quiet moment to indulge yourself and there's no one around to bother you, what is it you like to do best?

Most of my days are as you described. Almost everything I do throughout the day is craft related in a way or another. Of course sometimes I get interfered by our pesky cats;) As my days are rather quiet, I really enjoy occasional meet ups with a good friend in the city or other social gatherings.

How would you envision the perfect dinner?

I fancy a nice dinner for two. It can be at home or at a small restaurant in Helsinki, Paris or a place in the middle of nowhere. The place doesn't matter that much as long as I'm in a good company!

Where is the place that you have visited in the past, that you have particular fond memories of? Why?

I've been trekking in the Northern part of Finland with my boyfriend a couple of times. The open landscape is really extraordinary there, I haven't seen similar anywhere else. It just felt great to spend almost a week in wild life with a map, compass and a tent (+ some food of course!).

Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview that you feel our readers should know?

I hope all of us find our own way how to lead a happy life

Thank you Minna for taking the time to show us a little bit of your life!

Interview with Felting Wonder

Today's Etsy Interview is from a woman who I've known for a good year via Etsy, and whom I had the pleasure meeting face to face last winter, when I was on a skiing vacation in Lillehammar. Inger Maaike works with wool. Her main pleasure is with felting wool and she creates a huge assortment of finished products: scarves, jackets, arm warmers, and even sculptures.

Inger is a very quirky sort of person. A nice and hospitable person, she has opinions on many subjects (and people) and is not scared to share them. Her heart is warm and she clearly is not concerned about outward appearances. Flashy is not not her style.

When I met her for coffee (after having received wrong GPS directions from my husband and arrived a couple of hours late), she gave me a tour of her house, which her and her husband had purchased not long before. Both of them were tired of the rat race in Holland and took advantage of her family ties to Norway to find a new place to live as well as a new lifestyle. Her house is of an older Norwegian style and feels very cozy, no matter what room one is in. From her kitchen window is a gorgeous view over the river valley where she lives.

I have maintained contact with Inger since then, and we have 'playful' games and contests as to who has more snow, better weather, etc. Both of us being immigrants to Norway means we have a lot in common, though we come to from two different countries, have different base languages and really, two different cultures.

I am proud to have Inger as my first interviewee.

Personal Information: Inger Maaike, married, 3 children, 2 dogs, 3 cats, the odd stray mouse. Is a mother, obsessed with fiber arts, says she is an eternal student and, most importantly an infernal optimist (as opposed to an eternal optimist, I think. That definitely suits her style more).

What word would you use to describe your creative talent: artist/craftsman/creator/other. Why do you chose this word? I am, I think, an artist foremost. I create not to sell per se, but out of an innate need to create. Sometimes very prolific and sometimes not so. But repetition is not something I am very good at.

Were you creative before this time? If so, what other creative arts do/did you dabble in? I began creating as soon as my motor skills would allow me to do so. It has been with me in one oway or another since before I can remember: sewing doll clothes, cooking on a tiny gourmet set, wood carving, dollhouse furniture, bootmaking, and bag making just to name a few. I worked with any material with a distinct, natural feel.

Can you remember the first felted creation you made? I most certainly do. After months of dithering I took the plunge and enrolled in a workshop feltmaking given by a famous Dutch felter LYDA RUMP. She wanted us to make a vessel around a resist. I of course said, 'Vessel? What use is there in a vessel? I want to make a bag.' 'No,' she said, 'you can't.' 'Yes,' I said, 'I can 'cause I paid you and I want to.' To cut a long story short, I walked out of the door with a bag in the shape of a poppy.

Is there something else that you have made that you are particularily proud of? After the first bag I made several more and then I discovered the sight called TREETOPS COLOUR HARMONY. There I saw the most amazing color combinations and much softer wool than I had worked with to date. So I ordered wool and silk and made this coat and scarf set. I never wear it and should sell it, but that is really such a cool coat combining my love for sewing and felting to perfection.

Is there something in particular that you find inspiring? Beauty, intense colors, nature, natural materials, happiness, originality..... to name a few.

When you have a quiet moment to indulge yourself, and there's no one to bother you, what is it you like to do best? I have a lot of this as I work from home and the boys are in school. I felt, spin, read, surf the net, walk the dogs. In short, I enjoy life.

How would you envision the perfect dinner? Who would be there? Would it be formal/informal? What would be served? I am not much of an eater. I eat 'cause otherwise I would perish. So for me the perfect dinner would probably be some sort of paste that contains everything I need which I can just schlurrp up and be done with it.

Where is the place that you have visited in the past that you have particular fond memories of? Why? I have travelled quite a bit but of all the places I have been I would think Istanbul is my very favorite. A stunning city in all senses.


Where is the one place you would really like to travel to one day? Why? I dream of travelling to New Zealand and Australia one day. I have never been there and both countries look absolutely incredible from what I have seen on tv.



Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview that you feel our readers would like to know? Every day might be the last one...... don't wait til tomorrow.

If you want to find Inger, check out these direct links to her different sites:

Daily Felt - Inger's Blog
Felt by Ingermaaike - her Etsy store