Connection is central to Anne Mei's ever colorful work. She works on large canvases, uses lots of color and organic shapes. This started from an insatiable urge to create, gained wings thanks to Instagram and word-of-mouth 'publicity' and since this year she has been represented by Rademakers Gallery. Drawing and painting had always been her great hobby, but it only started to take a more serious form when she was 30. Before that, she worked for many years in consultancy and... asset management. Quite a bit different… A good one if you ask us Switch.

Anne Mei's tip on how to become an artist: “Cliche but true: practice makes perfect. If you also dream of being an artist, continue to draw and paint a lot. Try out new materials, techniques and styles and see what suits you. Make that your own and keep innovating and surprising yourself, that keeps it exciting. Dare to make mistakes and go over something - even if you think it's fantastic - to see what happens. And try to make connections with people in the art world and ask for feedback and advice.”

Ugh, creative blocks. They are part of it, but it can be incredibly frustrating when you get stuck. For Anne Mei it helps to 'just accept' it, not paint at all for a few days and just take some time for herself. Sometimes this is by walking in nature and sometimes by laughing with friends. Structure in your days and staying busy can help you get back into the swing of things flow to come. To gain inspiration, a visit to a museum is always a good idea. There are many beautiful museums in the Netherlands with changing exhibitions. For example, the Kröller Müller museum has a beautiful collection and sculpture garden and you will find amazing modern art in Voorlinden. The latter is also very nice to visit with children.

Yes to art in the home. But where do you get the most beautiful works from? Let's face it, buying art is addictive and not cheap. Saving for a work of art that touches you and that you are really happy with is a good investment, although there are also options that are slightly more budget-friendly. There is an art purchasing scheme in the Netherlands that many galleries participate in, and you can possibly start by purchasing editions that are priced lower. You can also discover many artists on Instagram and Artsy, but in the end art should just move you.

Anne Mei also likes to buy art. She is already well on her way with her collection, which consists of works by Aldo van den Broek, Raafat Ballan, Marilyn Sonneveld, Isobel Harvey and Galina Munroe and Andrew Salgado. She also finds the work of Diane Dal-pra, Danielle McKinney, Rowley Haynes, Ben Sledsens, Claire Tabouret and Joana Schneider (who is also represented by Rademakers) incredibly beautiful.

Image: Diane dal pra via Gallery Derouillon.com and Ben Sledsens via Tim van Laere Gallery 

Anne Mei's work is mainly inspired by events from her own life. From February 18, Anne Mei's paintings can be admired in the 'BLISS' exhibition at Rademakers Gallery in Amsterdam. This gallery focuses on female artists and sustainability. BLISS is an exhibition about  generational trauma, transformation, spiritual connection, how we are all one. There is, among other things, a work based on the life of her grandfather, who came to the Netherlands alone by boat from China at the age of 18. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by.

Anne Mei Poppe