VAN KASTJE NAAR CANVASJE
2024
SPUISTRAAT
Klik hier voor Nederlands
Mariëtta van Vliet is a graphic designer, illustrator, creative symbiote, and “everything” maker from Utrecht. As a Creative Symbiote (or just symbiote, as she likes to call it), she embodies the symbiosis between herself and all things creative. Whether it’s building mini libraries, crafting strong brand identities, devising campaigns, or lino-cutting, she does it all and can’t live without it!
Working from her studio in Rivierenwijk, she focuses on projects and illustrations where nature and mental health are often central themes. Her work is characterized by dark earthy tones, medieval elements, and natural themes. Conservation and connection with the natural world are becoming increasingly prominent in her art.
The story behind the artwork
The submission for Spuistraat 9 was titled “Swifts and Wildflowers.” At first glance, it might seem like minimal input. However, I live very close to Spuistraat and have a deep connection with the swifts that fly around here, living from May to August before migrating to the vast area between Mali and Congo for the winter.
The sound and presence of the swift evoke a sense of medieval mystique. In the evenings, you can hear their screeching and whistling as they dart through the sky, until they make a dive and you see a scythe-like swoosh. I primarily work with linoleum, a medium that parallels the woodcuts used in the Middle Ages. Think of the old manuscripts, Bibles, and encyclopedias, beautifully illustrated with detailed natural elements. I aimed to capture and convey that same magical quality in my work.
The medieval mystique of the swift
The swift is a mystical shadow that slices through the air like a sickle, instantly recognizable among thousands.
Fleeting, it screeches as it soars, a swift aerial dance, diving and filling its belly.
With its oddly wide beak, it catches flies, mosquitoes, and moths. It seems like a monster in the night. Its call is sharp, and its eyes are pitch black.
One with nature, yet also in the city. It finds refuge under a roof tile or in a façade nest box. Unaffected by human presence, it lives undisturbed.
Each year, it returns to Rivierenwijk to nest, feed, and thrive without fear. Such medieval splendor, the swift has me under its spell.
How did the painting go?
The resident of Spuistraat 9 was very involved, frequently checking on the progress, taking photos, and providing updates in the neighborhood app. They even sent a message to RTV Utrecht, expressing how special they found the project. While some residents were concerned that the artwork might be defaced with graffiti, many reassured that they would intervene if necessary, with one resident humorously mentioning they would “take care of it.”
Not everyone in the neighborhood was aware of the project beforehand, leading to mixed reactions. Some wished they had seen the design beforehand to offer their input. Personally, I’m glad it unfolded as it did, as getting too many opinions could complicate things.
Painting in a public space was a bit of a hurdle for me. To get into a good flow, I put on my headphones, which helped, though I always took them off to chat with passersby. It was a bit strange having people watching me work closely, putting a sort of spotlight and pressure on me. Stepping out of my comfort zone is important, though! On the second day, a man approached and said, “I wanted to say something to you yesterday, but you were so engrossed in your work that I just let you be.”
IN THIS AREA:
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER AWESOME PROJECTS HERE
STADSAMBASSADEURS VAN UTREG
FACEBOOK