Why I create Art...

My adopted identities have been a veil adorning the face I put out to the world. I painted with structures, textures and colors defined by the worlds I immersed myself in.

Living in four different countries over the past 15 years presented opportunities for reinvention. The chameleon within me tried to assimilate into every new home, with the places I lived becoming synonymous with my sense of self.

Read about 'Awakening'

Every departure from those homes felt like shedding a part of myself. My core, beneath the veil, didn't want to let go. The need to anchor my adopted identity compelled me to capture those shredded pieces in projects like Traveling the World and World on Washi. 

Explore 'Traveling the World'

Explore 'World on Washi'

Painful as it is to admit, my path as an artist hasn't been entirely my own. It has been nudged by perceived expectations and shaped by a need to please others

The urge to create is unequivocally mine— it comes from the core. That I know. Each piece I create originates from a whirlwind of ideas and a burning impatience to bring it to life. 

Influenced by the opinions of others I kept a tight rein on my creativity for decades, telling the artist inside to conform to the rules for fear of breaking them. All the while secretly yearning to splash bold colors and textures across the canvas.

Read about 'Passions Stir'

Read about 'Beneath the Turmoil' 

Now I have given myself permission to excavate the layers of my adopted identities to find the artist at its core. 

Lacking a firm sense of identity, painting with authenticity requires every ounce of courage I possess but I am determined to continue this journey.

Read about 'Inner Bloom'

Walking a new path, my steps become more confident with each stride. My authentic core starts to stir, a flicker on its way to becoming a bonfire. 

Read more about 'Swirling Thoughts'

Read more about 'Soul's Heat'

ARTIST • EXPAT • TRAVELER

“Where the Truth lies…

I will Follow”

DENISE BUISMAN PILGER

Artist captures everyday moments before they get lost to time

“Someday this will not be your home any longer. You will never come here again”. The little voice in the back of my mind reminds me on a daily basis that life is filled with fleeting moments that you can never get back.

They always say you can never go home and I have experienced this again and again, the longing to stay connected with special places of the past resonates deeply within me and these experiences inspire my urge to capture the essence of the places I love.

Sundial (36”x24”) - As I wander through the charming streets, I am greeted by unexpected solitude when I stumbled upon a hidden corner that transports me back in time…

Dutch cities hold a special place in my heart. Having left Holland over 15 years ago, I carry a profound longing for the country I once called home. It is only in my absence that I have come to fully appreciate the architectural beauty and quintessential Dutch urban elements that define its cities. Distance has granted me a fresh perspective, allowing me to perceive the true magnificence of the Dutch urban landscape.

Creating a piece like the one above not only serves as a way to keep the cherished memories of my homeland close to my heart but also unveils my newfound admiration for the extraordinary designs nestled within cities that were once familiar and seemingly ordinary.

‘Landlocked’ (48”x36”) - From the very instant I set foot on land after disembarking the boat, I felt a surge of anticipation, knowing that this city would become an infinite source of inspiration…

Whenever I find myself in a new city, I feel this sense of urgency. Time feels unbearably fleeting as I desperately try to absorb every sight and sound, yet the reality is that one can never truly see it all. 

Venice, in all its overwhelming grandeur, brought these feelings to the foreground in force. To truly explore every nook and cranny of this city, you would need a lifetime. I only had a few days. However, I seized every precious moment, capturing countless photographs to capture the essence of this amazing city.

‘Missing You'‘ (48”x60”) - This painting always reminds me of the times my husband and I are not on the same continent...

Exploring a new city is a sensory overload of inspiration. It triggers a sense of wanderlust, I need to delve into all the new neighbourhoods, discover the hidden gems, and immerse myself in the pulse of the city

Every street corner, architectural detail, and vibrant urban scene fuels my creative spirit, leaving me overwhelmed with a desire to capture every captivating moment. It's as if the city becomes an infinite canvas, beckoning me to document its essence. The bustling streets, the interplay of light and shadow, and the diverse array of cultures and experiences merge into a symphony of inspiration that I cannot resist.

‘Metropol in Motion’ (48”x36”) - Not every city in Japan has them so I was really excited to spot a real-life street car when I exited the train station in Hiroshima. I spent my entire visit chasing down as many as I could, running to street corners and pedestrian crossings to capture them as they approached and left their stops, I need to capture all of the angles you see.

As I meander through the streets, taking my time to explore and document the city from every angle, capturing its essence in my photographs, the need to take shots of every intriguing facade and quirky urban detail is irresistible. There is so much beauty hidden in plain sight!

I am hit by that urge to capture it all, even when I’m fairly certain I’ve captured a building before I still feel compelled to take that shot on the off chance I capture it from a new angle or the building has changed since my last visit. 

‘Dance with Me’ (36”x24”) - "You even managed to make Ottawa look interesting..." Someone said this to me during an exhibition and it made me sad. Ottawa is a beautiful city. I always hope my art will inspire people to re-discover the beauty of their hometown.

This insatiable hunger to absorb every facet of a city has become my constant companion, knowing all too well that it is an unattainable feat. Cities are often sprawling and seemingly endless, even after multiple visits, I find myself irresistibly drawn to capture their essence. Each city has its own urban energy, inspiring and invigorating, I strive to capture it in every frame so I can forever preserve its vibrancy.

Back home, locked away in my studio, I embark on a journey to recreate those precious memories and surround myself with the essence of my favorite places. Through strokes of color and texture, I bring to life the places that have left an indelible mark on my soul.

ARTIST • EXPAT • TRAVELER

“I hate saying goodbye but I did it anyway. 🥲 Fueled by farewells, I paint places I miss so I can hold on to them forever”

Denise Buisman Pilger