I don’t identify as an artist but I do see my life and work often as art.

Zen mind is the beginners mind. Look at the world with an innocent, loving and curious eye. Look at the world with a critical eye.

Do not stop using all your senses, your eyes, ears, hands, heart, mind, your whole body. Art is a language to experience, to express. To play. To experiment.

Art is transformative. Art is a way of telling stories. Creating new narratives. It’s power. Can be manipulative so it’s a responsibility. Using art as a language is a statement, a chosen visibility, daring being and standing for my values.

Beauty, seeing and letting beauty seen is a way of expressing my love and connect with others, with the world.

“Every day is a gift to walk through the garden. You always can find something unexpected, a hidden beauty.” SET resident, 25, from NL

Beauty is perceived differently in various societies but is a basic human need. Nature gives us a ‘democratic’ beauty that is accessible to everyone. Therefore, we understand beauty’s importance and simple power in our everyday practice. We have a solid visual imagination of creating a beautiful and functional space while allowing everyone to create, act, and bring their ideas. “Mooie lellijkheid” is our community’s term for reusing all kinds of objects. We have learned the significance of personal connections with certain objects that make a sense of belonging, intimacy, and emotional connection with the space. We encourage the expression of unique beauty, helping people to see and appreciate the simple joy and beauty in life. This beauty is easily accessible, connected, healing, peaceful, and meditative. It inspires creativity and curiosity and has the power of healing for many of us.