CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
KDB: It depends on the viewpoint. Because I’m working with (and re-using) images, my work could be categorized under photography.
KDB: While on the other hand through this repetitive process of creating all these small works, I’m trying to tell something about my past, so it could also be categorized as confessional art. The style is intimate, breaths some kind of nostalgia and reflects a certain cultural period. I use material from that period for several reasons, mainly because I like the quality of the pictures and print, and also because of the decayed worn paper.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
KDB: My inspiration is what happens around me. It can be anything: a song I’ve been listening to, a story somebody tells me, a movie I watched recently…
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
KDB: I don’t work project based. My work is more like a constant stream without a real plan, I work very spontaneous and never make essaies. First I roughly cut out a selection of images and backgrounds, then I start creating in what is usually a few hours session. I always try to work out of my unconscious. By this way of working I come to unexpected results and new techniques.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
KDB: It’s nice when people are emotionally touched or drawn by my works. When they see something of themselves in it. That gives me the feeling that I succeeded in being an artist.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
KDB: Actually I live quite basic, do not own a car or TV. Most of the time I’m working hard and enjoy being on my own.
KDB: Good healthy food and silence is important for me, my daily sporting routine.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
KDB: « Le talent, ça n’existe pas. Le talent, c’est d’avoir envie de faire quelque chose.»
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
KDB: Social media can help you a lot to help spread your work in the beginning (it did for me). Apart from that, I’m not really into computers or digital equipment.
KDB: It’s too complicated and technical for me.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
KDB: There are plans for a new (third) book and shows that will go together with its release.
KDB: Spring next year there will be a new (second) solo show in Antwerp (my hometown).
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
KDB: It’s kind of dual. On one hand I enjoy a lot of freedom, and should consider myself lucky to have this freedom and this talent, but with this freedom comes a large responsibility which can result in some kind of pressure and uncertainty.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
KDB: It may sound cliché, but I’ve been listening a lot to the early songs of Leonard Cohen lately. I’m always very touched by them.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
KDB: It’s complex…
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