Dieneke Tiekstra – Circle Foundation for the Arts

What themes does your work involve?

The theme of the "Bits & Pieces" series is time and the future. I am curious about the world of 100 or 1000 years later. Will the evolution of humans be impressive? Will humans become more machine and machines more human? Will we become future gods? Dow we fall from bits to pieces? If so, do we lose our human identity as a result? Humans keep on moving. A movement that is still just in balance. Movement indicates a certain time. The future will remain a puzzle or will the puzzle pieces of life ever fall into place.

Describe your creative process.

The idea is always there first. In my thoughts, I further work it out. How large, which shapes and which materials. I get inspiration to answer these questions from my collection of things and materials and what I find in public spaces. Then I go to work in my workshop. I can usually change shapes or materials, but I will continue until I have fully worked out my idea. It is only finished when I am really satisfied. I usually work in series. “Balancing in Time” is part of the “Bits and Pieces" series.

What influences your work? What inspires you? Why do make art?

The notion of recycling and durability influences my work. I am inspired by Jean Tinguely, Antony Gormley, William Kentridge, Louise Bourgeois and Salvador Dali. I have to make art. I can not do without it.

What is good art? What makes a piece of art great?

The artwork must invite the public to ask questions. It must challenge, evoke reactions and emotions.

What is the role of the artist today?

Being critical about anything in the world, not only in the present but also for the past and in the future. If words fail, I will have to express myself differently. This leads to my motto: what has been made, may be seen. In other words, I can only tell it with my sculptures. And in contemporary society, art must invite the public to ask questions. It must challenge, evoke reactions and emotions. It should start a discussion.