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Illustrations


Something very special

Totally unexpected, I've recently received a commission, and what an extraordinary one it was!

We happen to have wonderful neighbours here around. One of them was Dimphy. Unfortunately 'was'. She passed away this winter after a hard and unfair fight with her illness.
Not long after her funeral, I learned from her husband Peter, that shortly before her untimely death, she wanted me to illustrate the book she's been planning to publish.

Regrettably, I didn't know her very well. I spoke to her and her husband only once. However, I knew her mostly from their theatre performances. Dimphy was a good actress. From what I saw on the stage, she reminded me often of Giulietta Masina in her expressions, passion and tone. I believe I could remember her voice and the intonations of her narrations. That feeling I got also as I was reading her fairy tales. With that feeling, I painted those little stories, the illustrations for her book. I really hope they complement each other in some way.      
 
Feeling honoured and touched, I enthusiastically said 'yes' and immediately started painting those paintings. It was quite an experience as it was for me something entirely new. After reading Dimphy's stories, I somehow knew immediately what I wanted to paint for each story.  And it went fast. I finished all the illustrations within a few days instead of weeks, as I had thought. 

Learning how quite difficult it can be to paint from imagination, I am grateful for this unique opportunity.  Peter, Dimphy's husband is now determined to publish her book. I hope that my humble contribution will help make the book more widely known. I would like that. Because Dimphy's fairy tales are magical. And kind.   


UPDATE March 2024: 

Dimphy Timmer's book 'Sprookjes van Deirdre' is now being published by Peter van Noort and AmelandPers Uitgeverij at the MarneVeenstra Printing House, with the help of various sponsors, and from mid-May will be available in shops. The hardcover of the book is sponsored by anonymous patrons. 

The presentation of the book will be held on Dimphy's birthday, 18 May 14.00 at the Herberg De Zwaan in Hollum by the members of Ameland Vertel! Group. The original illustrations will be on show there, too.      
     


Exhibitions:
- Herberg De Zwaan, Book Presentation. May 2024, Hollum
- Driedaagse Expo at Het Stalhuus. June 2024, Hollum
- Amelander Cultuurmuseum. July to November 2024, Nes

The originals were acquired in January 2025 by eight collectors in Hollum (one each), who helped to promote the book.






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