You know Yves, even if you don't really know him, because the truth is that his heARTs has been in the island for more than we can remember. Having a chance to meet him (and his partner Roland) for the first time, was a feeling of meeting some old friends that you haven't seen in ages. We were welcomed, in style, into their beautiful, cozy, full of love and art house, and served this incredible chocolate cake that was simply phenomenal. The conversation just flew at the sound of laughter and chickens, until the afternoon become evening, and we could just continue talking forever, eating that delicious "vegan" chocolate cake. Unforgettable ;D
Who are you?
I am a lucky person. I met my love at a young age (21 years old) and it’s still going strong. I had a wonderful youth at the coastside of Belgium. Art is the red line in my life. I love living in São Miguel. This island is a mixture of seaside and countryside, the same as I experienced in Belgium.
How’s life on the Island?
This is not a tropical island; this is not paradise. This is a green island with a rough edge. And this is what I like: the rough edge. It keeps you alive and alert. Never boring and always different.
Favorite place? Why?
Rocha da Relva, Lagoa do Congro and the golf course in Furnas. And then, the unexpected places when I go painting, in environments where I’ve never been. I get a warm feeling when I discover these unknown, but so familiar, places.
Hobbies?
All that I do is a “hobby” – painting, sleeping, eating, hiking, playing golf...The moment when there is a “must” is the moment when the joy stops.
Favorite object? Why?
The artwork that I collect. Big and small pieces I really love.
One song / one band
It doesn’t exist, but, if I really have to, Carmina Burana from Carl Orff.
What’s been keeping you busy?
Everything. The house, garden, art, friends, reading, etc... There’s not enough time nor energy to do everything I want to do.
A unique moment in your life?
The unique moment in my life is a repeating moment. I am standing, sitting, or lying somewhere, and I get that overwhelming good feeling over me...
If you could pick two people (alive or dead) one to paint with and one to have dinner or conversation, who would they be? Why?
The first one would be Léon Spilliaert. When I went to the Academy of Fine Arts, in Antwerp (Belgium), at lunchtime, I had to visit the museum on my own. There, I discovered two self-portraits of him. Until now, when I see his work, I get goosebumps. The second one would be Georges Vercruysse, a retired art academy director. I met him, through my parents, when I was 14 years old. He gave me my first drawing lessons. He had a wonderful home and was certainly not a dull person. He was a wise man. I lost contact with him when we moved to another city. I would just continue the conversation and would also enjoy a good meal in his company.
What haven’t we asked you?
Indiscreet questions, the ones that I like.
