MERIJN VERHELST

My work often begins with a quick drawing, a strange shape, or something that makes me laugh. I rarely know where it's going, and I prefer it that way.
 

One thing leads to another. A drawing becomes a painting, a painting grows beyond its edges, or something that seemed finished suddenly isn't. Gestures, patterns, colours and constructed elements come together, sometimes comfortably, sometimes in ways that seem completely unreasonable.
 

I don't work towards a preconceived image or try to communicate a particular message. Making art feels closer to playing than to executing an idea. I leave control alone and see what happens. Some days everything falls into place. Other days nothing works.
 

My job is to amuse myself. The rest takes care of itself.

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