thEM x Louise te Poele Badge
"Reality is an unsolvable puzzle at times. Of course, I sometimes wonder: to what extent does the world bend until it snaps or is its elasticity greater than we might think? And do we sometimes simply have to get used to all new manifestations?
My works are actually more like subconscious diaries, in which I make connections between the various things that have caught my eye over a given period. They are perhaps a kind of subconscious dream. Before creating a work of art, I look around a lot, take snapshots of everything that I find interesting and collect objects and ideas. With this preparation, I try to internalise everything that has inspired me and when I go to work in my studio it comes out. So with my own train of thought as the most important primary source, I offer a surrealist sense of wonder in turbulent times." - Louise te Poele
CARE
- Spot clean only (do not dry clean!)
- Do not iron
- Contains magnets
Louise te Poele (1984) is a visual artist who lives and works in the Netherlands. She works with the medium of photography and she creates spatial sculptures. Her latest spatial installation "Into the pleasure dome" is now on show at Museum Villa Mondriaan.
Her works have been exhibited worldwide, including in Paris, New York, Miami, Hong Kong, Berlin and Istanbul.
Her work is featured in collections at Museum Arnhem, Museum Villa Mondriaan, Kunstcollectie Rijksoverheid Ministerie van Binnenlandse zaken, Dutch Embassy in Japan and the French state in addition to various private art collections.
Every purchase of this badge supports the Mondriaan Fund
The Mondriaan Fund are a foundation that supports Dutch artists, art organisations and projects, with a focus on giving a platform to stories from diverse backgrounds.
Tell us about you!
I live in the Netherlands in a small city with my boyfriend and our part-time dogs. At first we both had our studios at our home, but along the way I made so many new artworks and he collected so many instruments that at one point we could only eat on the floor. So I moved my practice to my new studio and I now spend most of the day there.
How do you lean out, stay active, get out and explore nature?
We live close to city parks and a beautiful national park. I like to run every other day and we take the dogs for long walks to the parks and forest around us.
What are your tools for leaning out?
My old running shoes, a sports bra and my dog.
Tell us about your gear – what do you tend to bring/wear?
I don’t need much, just my running shoes. I use the same shoes for running and hiking. I always completely wear them out - note to self, I should get new ones to avoid more injuries :). During winter I like to wear my neon sweater so people can see me running. In summer I like to wear shorts and a simple top or a swimsuit. I also often go for a much less comfortable outfit. Picture this: me on a bike with my dog, wearing high heels and a nice dress, kind of of mountain biking through the hilly park so we can have some fresh air before a day in the studio.
Do you have a bug-out bag and if so, what’s in it?
I like to take the minimum amount of stuff with me when I go out, only my keys and phone so I can take pictures of inspiring things along the road.
What is one of your most memorable adventures or favorite places to lean out?
While writhing this, I’m on an island in Thailand for a new art project and I'm loving all of it. Nature is all around me and it's so alive, everything grows and blooms. I also find the many DIY constructions here on the island very inspirational.
What do you do to stay safe so you can really relax in nature?
When I have my dog with me I always feel safe. When she’s not there, for example where I am now in Thailand, I scare quite easily. I am starting to learn that I shouldn't waste my time being afraid of all kinds of insects.
Who inspires you in the outdoors?
My boyfriend, he is always so relaxed in nature, I admire that.