Born in Bruges, Belgium, in 1958, I was always influenced by the turbulent period of the Sixties—black-and-white television, rock 'n' roll, love, and peace! My father was always there with a camera; photographs and Super 8 films were a constant presence in our home, and I often found myself acting in his home movies, although my true interest in filmmaking developed later.
At the early age of nine, I discovered a passion for art. In the small village where I grew up, there was an art school I could attend on weekends and for a few hours on Wednesday afternoons. I immersed myself in drawing, painting, sculpting, and most importantly, having fun. I enjoyed it so much that I yearned to do it all day!
I once went on holiday to Tenerife with my good friend Wout. We strolled for hours along the beach and through small villages. He was curious about how photographers perceive their surroundings and what inspires them to take photos. He was constantly amazed that even though we walked in the same locations, I noticed things differently. A photographer sees the world in frames and is attuned to the right light. Sometimes, a photographer will revisit a specific spot or patiently wait for hours until the lighting conditions are more suitable.
