In Berlin in 2011, I saw a tile decorated with pieces of coloured glass in an old wall. I couldn't resist its colours and took a picture. A few years later (2015), I selected the most beautiful parts and made this composition. Now, ten years later in 2025, I managed to complete the image. I was always looking for something, ... something needed to be added ... or taken off perhaps. A few days back, I found the answer: a red tulip.
The round deep blue pieces form a wavy line along the edges left and right. The larger deep blue piece looks a bit like a mountain or a house. In the far corners I placed pieces of light blue with dark blue glass. A slightly larger light blue piece runs diagonally with the shape below and the white-grey shape next to it. The white pieces perform a dance with each other, but together they also form a rectangle.
The shine and colours of the glass pieces are emphasised by the blue background. The bright red tulip adds depth to the image. I looked for more filling: more tulips or adding something else. After some trial and error, I decided to leave it at that. The image as it is now is complete.
All pieces of glass have frayed edges, which makes it lively. Some pieces of glass have sharp points: dangerous! And then that red of the tulip, nice and bright. But then again, the deep blue is a colour that radiates confidence, reassurance.
Since about 1974, I have been involved almost daily in photography, drawing (charcoal, graphite, conté, chalk, ink), painting, watercolour and/or collage making. In all these branches of visual work, I have tried a lot, found my own way, but.. Read more…