Tortuga de Galápagos (2006) Painting by Andrè Degel

My name is Andre, I was born in August of 53, I am of Celtic origins (Belgium), I was born and lived in Belgium, some years of my adolescence in Africa and most of my life in South America, in Ecuador, most of the time in the Galapagos Islands, where I live. I have the privilege to be a naturalist guide of the Galapagos National Park. I have walked the paths of these islands since 1973 and I still remain Guide. These islands are of great significance for many people around the world; however, really understanding and discovering the truth, the intrinsic meaning of this archipelago and its seas, can probably only be by walking its trails, discovering its wisdom, guidance and teachings, its philosophy. These islands gave me the privilege of discovering its magic, its wisdom and its teachings. Somehow, I long to share all those discovering’s, which are simple and magnificent at the same time. The way to share some of what the island gave me is the books I wrote, the editorials, poems and paintings are part of that, sharing the spiritual philosophy of these islands. Still need to accomplish the creation of a statue eight meters high representing Mother Nature which image is in one of the paintings, still miss making an art school, still miss the construction of the Temple of Eight,  the Council of Wise Men, a profound change in local education, to guide tourist institutes and companies to understand the true meaning of Galapagos, a proclamation of natives and inhabitants, the monoliths, invite artists, thinkers, writers, dreamers, photographers, painters and sculptors,  simply help discover the islands philosophy, the Basalt Rock on which to base all the rest. Galapagos is a portal for humanity to find their path back to the truth. I have worked several decades with the majority of private and State institutions and also individuals. A statement like this can’t ever be made by one single person that would be impossible, that energy and intelligence should flow and originate from humanity, nature and the elements, it’s a non-obligatory paradigm, and it’s just being true to that we link with. These paintings, poetry, book and more are part of all of this; it’s part of what I was able to see and try to share. The paintings are at a Gallery in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. Every human being is essential whose energy vibrates in harmony with all creation. To every action there is a thought, a philosophy. Art is the Supreme expression of philosophy. André.

• Nationality: BELGIUM
• Date of birth : 1953
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Belgian Artists