According to AI: “Lose yourself in a fairy tale world with this intricate ink drawing of a majestic castle perched atop a rocky cliff. A cascading waterfall flows from the castle, adding to its mystical charm. Hand-drawn with a dip pen and dark blue black ink on 100% cotton paper, this piece captures the timeless beauty and wonder of a fairytale realm.”
When I made this ink drawing, I was knee deep into the topic ‘housing’. I knew I had to leave my home soon as it was scheduled for demolition. I also knew rent had skyrocketed in my city and meant a number of nasty things. On top of that, I knew the housing market was probably worse. What do you do as an artist with anxiety? Yes, you create your own safe space with your imagination.
I kept on drawing castles in various forms. Some of them unreachable, uninhabitable, others – like this one – a figment of the imagination. Dreaming of the impossible also felt like getting closer to it. It gave some solace knowing I would carry my own sense of home with me wherever I went. Without giving up on my dream of staying in Utrecht.
By now that’s about two years ago, and the castle changed from something to long for into something to enjoy. Like the improbable entrance of the castle: it may not be easy to get to, but the door is right there, and there’s room for great parties once you’re home.
The details:
Hand drawn with a dip pen and blue black ink on 100% cotton paper. Dimensions: 21x 29 cm with rough natural edges. Excluding frame.
