Dannie Nijsmans

In 2014 I started painting for the sole purpose of relaxing and clearing my head, playing with clours without any "academic" education or "technical" knowledge.

Gradually I discovered that painting can be a special way of communication. First with myself: searching, trial and error, trying again, being frustrated, becoming happy, ... Later on, my communication broadened, especially when I discovered  that I could also "talk" to others through my work. This happened during my first exhibition (COLOURS 2018). Visitors translated my paintings and told their own stories. I found that particularly fascinating.

Recently I experienced the same during my VEDIC ART EXHIBITION in the Lotushuis (Westerlo last weekend of July 2022).

Since 2020 (!) I also release my energy and emotions through stone carving. It seems a "harder" form of communication, but the warmth and depth of the finished sculptures often reveals more than a page full of text. Sculpting is a particularly connecting process. It takes place between receiving what you get and bestowing a loving transformation through your creative power.

My gratitude goes to my teachers.

*Maryse Alen (International Teacher & Teacher Trainer Vedic Art http://www.vedic-art.be and http://maryse-alen-vedicart.com). She introduced me step by step to enjoy Vedic Art. I followed the basic and follow-up course, and the in-depth courses (Six Vedanga's and Back to the Point). I was also able to attend the teacher courses (A/B - C and Kids) to pass on the 17 principles to young and less young enthusiastic students.

* In 2017 I went to Oland (Sweden), the cradle of Vedic Art, to enjoy an in-depth course with Johannes Källman (Vedic Art - The Curt Källman Method. Creativity, personal development and freedom www.vedicart.com).

During a two-day international course in Bierbeek (2018), together with colleagues and Johannes, the "Art of Living" that is Vedic Art was discussed in more detail.

* I discovered stone carving in 2020 in Het Geheel (www.hetgeheel.be) with Kathryn Harington. This is where my education continues. With Kathryn I can delve deeper into both painting and stone carving and even playing with clay.

* Since November 2020 I have been one of the residents of MOKTAMEE (https://www.moktamee.be), breeding ground for a creative and entrepreneurial community. I also have my own studio here that you can visit by appointment. Here I also give workshops at the request of interested parties, in small groups and/or individually. It can be about Vedic Art courses, introductory days Vedic Art or free creative painting. I'd love to hear your stories, questions, wishes, ...

You can find Moktamee at the following address: Bovenrij 30, Blok L, 2200 Herentals. Entrance along the Nonnenstraat through the brown gate opposite house number 19.

You can also find me on Instagram@dannie_nijsmans and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/dannie.nijsmans).

I lost my heart for a bit in Southern India, in a tiny village Ambalamoola (Tamil Nadu). I went there in 1998 with Damien Foundation to build a hospital. Friendships for life were formed here.

An important note for the buyer: I am happy to donate part of the sales price to my project (since 1998) in India: Nilgiris Wynaad Tribal Welfare Society (http://www.nwtws.org). A wonderful project for and by wonderful people!