“The material concrete really appealed to me because I saw the many possibilities.”
Name
Boy van der Wal
Profession
Sculptor/ Painter
Website
Where are you from?
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Your style in 3 words?
Architecture, Rotterdam, History.
When did you decide to become an artist?
Ever since I was a young child, that’s because of my upbringing. My mother was a photographer and now an art teacher and my father was an art director. Through them I came into contact with art and music from a young age and I already knew that I wanted to do something with my creativity.
Do you choose your art form, or does the form choose you?
During art school I was introduced to using concrete as a medium, which fascinated me so much that I wanted to investigate the material further and used the material throughout art school. The material concrete really appealed to me because I saw the many possibilities. In the later phase of my studies I analyzed why I like the medium so much. And that was because of my environment because I grew up in Rotterdam, which was bombed during the Second World War and had to be rebuilt. And from then on I always use themes from this time period.
What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?
The moment when you are in a process and you are balancing between experimenting and understanding what your new possibilities are. Because this moment is very short and is often where you create the best work. Because afterwards you understand what you did and you want to repeat it again. But that first time is magical!
What did you learn the most about your first art shows?
My first exhibition outside the art academy was a group show during the corona period in the center of Rotterdam. You are nervous at first and because it was a group show you learned how to work together to create a beautiful exhibition.
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
The concrete radio’s of Isa Gensken. That started me in Sculpting en using concrete as a medium.
Who would you like to work with someday and why?
In my wildest dreams I dream about an exhibition in the Boijmans Museum Rotterdam, because Boijmans is important to Rotterdam and its residents.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
I just finished a painting period. And after a period of painting I have to make sculptures, because painting gives me new ideas for sculptures.
Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“
Family’s health of course
2024: Where are we going?
What I hope we are heading towards in 2024 Is more love. The world hasn’t felt love for a few years, and that must change in 2024.
Do you think about time as an artist?
I try not to think to much about time
When the going gets tough…
Always know that this is your exploring time. After that you know what your next step is.
Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, what will our world look like in 50 years?
In one word AI and its not Adobe Illustrator.
What would you do if you could change the World?
That’s a big question to ask. But if I can dream or make a wish.
What does freedom mean when it comes to art?
If you can make your art without rules.
Tell us about your future plans…
Working in the studio making sculptures and paintings.
Your city’s favorite spots?
Rotterdam West.
A movie that everyone should watch…
Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.
Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?
The Smiths – There is a light that never goes out.
One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?“
Concrete.
