About: Artist Marleen DeWaele-DeBock

M.A. Fine Arts, St.Lucas Art School, Ghent, Belgium

Born in Belgium, Marleen has lived in Tennessee since 2001. Before moving to the United States, Marleen lived in Mozambique and South Africa for more than a decade. Her work still exhibits the influences she found while living there.

"My paintings have evolved from realistic daily scenes, like markets in Africa, to more expressionistic today. I enjoy the creative process of painting, when time and surroundings 'disappear' during these moments of concentration. It starts without a structured planning; a new painting is initiated by a vague idea or impression that tales shape while my hand is guided by subconscious experiences and emotions."

"Although I do not have a specific preference it seems that people have been a main source of inspiration; they are so diverse but share the same needs and emotions no matter what continent they live on. My work sometimes depicts people in moments of loneliness or isolation, which may be a reflection of my life that had to adapt so many times to new surroundings, languages and people. Recently my work has been evolving into scenes where human figures and animals are set in environments that may seem desolate, but where a bond between them transpires."

" Lately I rediscovered the art of printmaking. Although I earned a masters degree in printmaking, I did not engage in that activity for the past decade. In addition to my paintings I am now also back into linocuts, combining with monotypes. It is an art form not well known to the general public; therefore I hope that my printing may contribute to a wider appreciation."

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