Yokko Bears The Netherlands

Artist

The artist, yes, that's me, was born and raised in a loving and caring family.
A family including many animals, which was only natural since we lived in very beautiful surroundings and had a vast area with various types of trees around the house.
As such I was introduced to caring and loving nature in general, and animal life specifically.
With very creative parents, who in my eyes were sort of magicians, since they could make whatever their eyes could see, we grew up to be just as creative.
Encouraged by a hand-made bear and a knitted 'Gollie', all from the hands of my mother, I was introduced to the art of knitting, sewing and designing at a very young age.
I made all kinds of things; it could be a dog, or a fluffy bear, a small quilt or clothes for the many bears, dolls, or Barbie's, which I amassed during those years.
It soon turned out to be my 'life' and it made my days even more enjoyable and pleasant.
I can remember very well, how as a six year old, I was sitting on a bench in the garden.
I had just learned how to knit.
How I loved it, and how I hated going to bed already, for I could not bring myself to stop!
It still feels that way. I still love to be creative, in many, many ways.

I make 'guirlandes' and many different animals from all kind of branches, for example a bird, bear or deer.

What this story is about are bears.
To creatively design the 'birth 'of a bear is such a wonderful and intense passing of time.
I do not regard it as work as it is such a lovely manner to spend your leisurely hours.

I picture a bear in my mind, and since I always carry a special idea and design book with me, I start sketching. Ideas come to me, no matter where I am, but the funny thing is that I create one bear at the time only.
For all my bears are made by hand and with utmost care, while being in serene, relaxed and natural atmosphere.
Soon after their 'birth' my lovely bears are registered and provided with a birth certificate.

I prefer to 'work' on my bears in the garden, while being surrounded by nature and all that lives and breathes.
However, wintertime in The Netherlands does not permit this.
Then I have to make do with a lovely view from my atelier, with a view of my garden, the forest, nature.
This peacefulness becomes an integral part of my bears.

Many of my bears have a history and a background, which are at times, from medieval era; furthermore to emphasize their intense and pure creation they are given beautiful names as well.

Even though many of my bears have moved to foreign countries, we still keep in touch.
Not only through the many visitors on the various well visited Bear exhibitions, which I attend as well, but also via the regular mail or email.
After a bear-lover has bought one of my precious ones in the shop I always enjoy the overwhelming reactions.
Therefore I always try to find time to keep in touch with my creations as well!