Tell Us About Yourself and your life?
At age 19-1/2, I left Palo Alto, California, to study art in The Hague, the Netherlands. Studying art in Europe was always a dream of mine, and it was more of a challenge to go where I had to learn a new language. The only thing I was sure of was that I was accepted at the Royal Academy of Art for the 5-year study.
Besides that, I didn’t know the Dutch language, didn’t know a soul, where I’d live, and had only my own savings. So I learned the language on my own, using comic books in the beginning. After a year, I met my now ex-husband, who I later married (and divorced). To make a long story short, I’ve been in the Netherlands for 49 years working as a professional artist with a most amazing large studio in the old city center.
Tell us more about your career?
My specialties are portraits and illustrations in oil or watercolor. My free work is a bit more abstract. I also give private art lessons.
As an artist’s work is done in solitude, I love having a part-time job and now have been working for Apple for more than 3-1/2 years. They embrace diversity: thus, age is no problem! It’s so fun and inspiring to work there as it’s like a family for me. Also, keeps your brain young with all the learning!
If You Had a Warning Label, What Would It Be?
Be honest with me.
Any regrets?
I regret not living in other countries or following an art study in Italy, for example. I also regret not seeing my parents more in the years before they passed away.
Not a regret.. but what I do miss is having children. I wasn’t able to have children, which was a very sorrowful part of my life.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is developing my talents as an artist, creating portraits and other artworks. Also, reaching the age of 69 and being fit and healthy. I do all kinds of outside workouts like the kettlebell, Bootcamp, and running training. I started doing more outside last year when the lockdown began.
What is your fantasy version of your older self, let’s say 80 years old?
How do I envision myself as an 80-year-old? Stylish, healthy, and fit, still creating art and enjoying life! My British grandmother, who reached 97, was also very fashionable, dressing like Chanel in the clothing she made.
California remains in my roots, so perhaps I shall end up back there.
What Would You Tweet to Your Younger Self?
Dare more and stay out of the sun!
What do you do to stay positive both mentally and physically?
To stay positive mentally and physically, a balance between work and private life is essential. Social time with family and friends, online or in real life, is crucial. Furthermore, I do a lot of fitness, meditate daily, and follow a healthy diet (almost 100% vegan). I love to cook, and I’ve been doing yoga for more than 20 years. That helps a lot, too.
Latest Google search?
My latest Google was for a Sony 4K TV!
What is your age and how old do you feel?
My age is 69, turning 70 in December! Life is full of joy which makes it easier to feel much younger, more like 38. Who cares about the wrinkles and skin that’s not as firm as it used to be. Being healthy is more important.
styling Dayenne Bekker
hair and makeup Esther van Maanen
Karen is wearing a Zara bathingsuit
