THE COLOURFUL DUTCHMAN.
What gets an artist going in the morning? For Marcel Bastiaans, it's the desire to make the world a little happier. That idea is what gets him out of bed and into the studio in the morning. His works and exhibits have received worldwide acclaim. His philosophy is also joyful and simple: Do what you love and the rest will fall into place. BMW Motorrad recently met the cheerful Dutchman, who has an irresistible passion for painting and of course motorcycles.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE ARTIST'S STUDIO.
His idol: Albert Einstein.
His idol: Albert Einstein.
The village of Oirschot, Holland, is still asleep. But Marcel Bastiaans is already up. He loves the smell of fresh bread in the morning. His local baker knows what Marcel needs to start his day. Soon the artist is back in his studio enjoying his breakfast. The day, and all the inspirations that it holds, is ready to begin.
Marcel radiates a unique ease. He doesn't worry much about life, the universe or the rest of the world. He also captures this positive energy in his artwork. "I always try to start my day happy. That gives me positive energy", he says. "It's also why I paint so many Einsteins. The man was right: Similar types of energy attract each other. If you have a positive attitude, positive things will automatically come to you".
A talented kindergartner.
Marcel Bastiaans
A visit from Picasso's granddaughter.
A visit from Picasso's granddaughter.
There have been many peak moments in Bastiaans' career, such as the time when Picasso's granddaughter Marina Picasso visited him during an exhibit in Cannes. Even royalty have come to see his work: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands visited one of his shows in Germany. Equally impressive are the places where his works have been shown. A huge version of his painting "Tintin" was projected onto a skyscraper in New York. His work has also been exhibited at Gaudi's famous Casa Batlló in Barcelona.
Marcel is happiest when taking refuge in his studio, situated inside an old convent building in Oirschot. It is here that he can lose himself completely in his work. "I come in, close the door, and it's like I'm on an island".
Motorcycle in the studio.
Marcel Bastiaans
Bastiaans likes tinkering with cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Bastiaans likes tinkering with cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
"I ride my R nineT for fun. And it’s so addictive because it’s fast but also very easy to ride. I get so many thumbs-ups from other drivers who notice this bike because of its awesome design. Also, the R nineT not only looks good, it makes me look good when I'm on it".
Cars are another one of Marcel's passions. He has designed cars, prototypes, parts and interiors for a variety of manufacturers. He has even styled special 'art cars' for Lamborghini and Toyota. At the moment he's working on his 'art bicycle.' It's actually a very private project, but the reactions he has already received from his fans and customers mean that a limited series is a “definite maybe”. An artist through and through.
Destination: Manhattan.
Other current projects include his relocation to an area of Manhattan close to Central Park He also has upcoming exhibits in Miami and Amsterdam. Bastiaans also cites the Internet as one reason for his global success. His paintings are attracting more and more attention around the world through this medium. Though he likes to keep busy, he always finds time for relaxing activities like reading in one of his restored 1920s art-deco cinema chairs and of course taking trips on his R nineT.
More about the artist.
More about the artist.
Colourful and experimental.
Artist Marcel Bastiaans sketches, tinkers and potters with anything he can get his hands on. His extraordinary works of art are known around the world. Find out more about this Dutchman's colourful and experimental world here. Go here to find out all about his latest works and projects.
