Question: Why The Night Watch?

A question for which I could not and cannot give an immediate answer, except for the fact that my intuition tells me that it must be done. When I was an apprentice carpenter 22 years ago, I wondered whether it would be possible to make Rembrandt's Night Watch out of wood. We were laying a herringbone parquet, I recall, and the idea suddenly popped into my head. No idea why or from where it came. Why exactly The Night Watch? And not just some other patterned floor?

Apparently my subconscious mind saw a connection. In any case, I never did anything with this intuition again until I had made Leeghwater’s portrait. Then The Night Watch came back to my mind. After all, if Leeghwater is possible, then surely Rembrandt's Night Watch is as well?

But even before I could begin working on the Night Watch project, another wonderful challenge came my way: The annual rings project at Krinkels' head office. It seemed like a hint: ‘Oh yes? Do you want to go this way? Well, let's see it then.’ The result was and remains astonishing. It has taught me that I am capable of extraordinary things, that this is the road I must take. 

Well, then The Night Watch in Wood must come. I rented a flat in Warmenhuizen, sold my house, sold the bus I won at the Craftsmanship Awards - all to free up funds. Producing The Night Watch will take approximately three years and so, as well as time, it costs a great deal of money. Most of my neighbours, friends, acquaintances and family members think I've gone mad. So you start something that your intuition tells you to do, and you don't have a client? 

I can understand the reaction. Because why would you take a risk? Well, because, like many people, I have listened too long to the chatterbox and doomsayer in my head. That little voice in your head often ruins your peace and leads you to not do much with your life. The result is regret: If only I had... 

I prefer to collect memories instead of savings and possessions. I feel that this is going to be a great adventure. It will take me to special places in the world, and bring me into contact with many special people. 

Returning to the floor is always possible. But one way or another, that Night Watch is going to happen! It's so inspiring when something that at first existed only in your head becomes reality for everyone to see and touch. 

I hope you will join me on this journey. By following me and supporting me financially, I can make this work of art come to life. 

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