Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
Since Melbourne-based Dutch born artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk started his continually evolving creative journey, his distinctive artwork has included comic drawing, graffiti, vector art, illustration and painting – each medium bringing a newfound sense of curiosity and wonder.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Courtesy of Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
Tomatoes and Dots by Jordy van den Nieuwendijk.
‘I’m aware how lucky I am to have found something to do in life that I love, and If I can help anyone else on their search, I’m all here for it!,’ says Jordy van den Nieuwendijk. Photo: Courtesy of Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
‘I love to look at things, and once I have a visual in my mind it’s a lot of fun (or awfully frustrating) to try and get it out.’ Photo: Courtesy of Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
Flower in Greens by Jordy van den Nieuwendijk.
‘Every now and then I have a good big look at myself and wonder and worry about why and what I am making. I still feel I am not there yet, that I have only just begun, always looking for the new, hoping to be inspired, and adjusting and refining not only my visual language, but also myself.’ Photo: Courtesy of Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
Two months ago, Melbourne-based Dutch artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk found himself at the southern most point of Australian mainland, standing on top of the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation, looking out over the wild seas of Bass Strait. In contrast, he recently came across a bright plastic neon-green scooter helmet stuck in a bush within blooming yellow flowers in Fitzroy. Both these moments triggered the artist’s imagination immediately – moments that spark intense and instant creativity are ones that are incredibly fulfilling for the artist.
‘I just had to draw what I saw – I think this is an exciting part of what I do. I love to look at things, and once I have a visual in my mind, it’s a lot of fun (or sometimes awfully frustrating) to try and get it out,’ says Jordy.
Through his abstract paintings, Jordy explores fundamental objects of everyday life. Working with primary colour palettes and simplified shape structures, he has a talent for examining subject matter in series that innovate inside carefully controlled boundaries.
Jordy started his creative journey studying illustration in 2003 - with two decades of experience behind him, he is incredibly humble and in awe that an audience is moved and interested in his work.
‘I think it’s incredible that there are people interested in what I do and what I make. Over the years I have, accidentally or not, learned a lot. I did things wrong and I maybe did other things right. I hope that sharing my experiences can be inspiring to the audience. I am aware how lucky I am to have found something to do in life that I love, and If I can help anyone else on their search, I’m all here for it,’ he says.
At this year’s Semi Permanent, Jordy will be up on the stage, sharing his creative journey. First exposed to the festival in 2003 as a student, Jordy feels privileged that he’s part of this year’s line up of speakers.
‘I honestly can’t believe (or understand) I’m part of it – I must admit I prefer to sit in the audience and watch someone else talk as it can make me a little nervous to hold a microphone. However, I tell myself that a talk is also a moment of self reflection, and those are important. On top of this, there is nothing like a good Q&A with like-minded people, I hope to learn a lot from it all,’ he says.
This year’s Semi Permanent theme is REFORMATION – a theme that resonates strongly for the artist. ‘Over the years, I have been into comic drawing, graffiti, vector art, illustration, painting and now I’m flirting with video and animation. I love trying out new things. Every now and then I have a good big look at myself and wonder and worry about why and what I am making. I still feel I’m not there yet, that I have only just begun, always looking for the new, hoping to be inspired, and adjusting and refining not only my visual language, but also myself.’
Semi Permanent
Carriageworks - 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, NSW
Wednesday May 31 to June 2
Jordy van den Nieuwendijk in his Melbourne studio. Photo: Courtesy of Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
Dotted Lobster by Jordy van den Nieuwendijk.