Reflection IX (2024) Photography by Sjaak Tool

After studying at the Technische Universiteit Delft in the 1980s, Sjaak Tool was a student at the Vrije Academie in The Hague. This academy, founded at the end of the forties by Livinus van de Bundt on the model of the Bauhaus Academy in Weimar, offers a different approach to achieving artistic maturity. Sjaak chose not to become a professional artist at that time, opting for a career in teaching. He worked at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, and retired at the end of 2023. Since then he has strengthened his love for art and is now a member of the Capelse Kunstkring.

The foundations of his photography and digital art were laid at the Vrije Academie. His passion for nature dates back to his childhood spent in the North Holland countryside, where he enjoyed the vast, almost deserted landscapes. His artistic approach is also influenced by abstract art from the beginning of the last century, notably that of Klee, Kandinsky, Chagal and Mondriaan. Additionally, he is fascinated by chaos theory, which produced fascinating and innovative images of nature in the early nineties.

Sjaak is captivated by the light, ripples and reflections that the water surface reveals, influenced by the environment, incident light and wind. He carefully observes the water's surface looking for striking details, such as the contrast between light and dark or particular shapes in the ripples. He then transforms these photos on the computer to create artistic impressions that arouse wonder. Through his images, he highlights the beauty of nature, capturing not only reflections but also other aspects of nature.

• Nationality: NETHERLANDS
• Date of birth : 1957
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Dutch Artists