I am Bas, a Dutch-born artist and scientist now calling the North East of England my home. My journey here began over a decade ago when I moved to Newcastle to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience. Like so many others, I quickly fell in love with the region; the rugged coastlines, the deep sense of history, and the incredible warmth of the people made it impossible to leave. Today, I balance my life as a lecturer and researcher with a dedicated art practice, exploring the fascinating overlap between how we think and how we see.

The Brain as a Prediction Machine

As a neuroscientist, I am captivated by the fact that our brains do not merely 'take in' the world through our senses. Instead, our brains are active prediction machines. To ensure our survival, our minds take shortcuts, making snap decisions and shaping our incoming sensory data into a reality that makes sense to us.

We all remember being children, watching clouds drift by and seeing animals, faces, or castles in those amorphous blobs. Our brains are hard-wired for story and a search for meaning. In my work, I play with this edge of realism. By using simple 2D shapes and bold, vibrant colours, I invite your brain to do the work. A streak of light or a faceted form becomes a boat, a lighthouse, or a cherished memory of a place you love. I want to explore exactly where that line lies—where a collection of shapes becomes a felt experience.

Architecture and Solitude

My work is heavily influenced by the structures that define our landscape. I find myself drawn to the ancient landmarks of the North East that have stood against the elements for centuries, becoming an inseparable part of the earth they sit upon.

However, new feats of engineering also command my attention. Most notably, I have been inspired by the Steltloper in the Marker Wadden. These man-made islands in the Netherlands—the largest man-made freshwater lake system in the world—represent an astonishing intersection of human ingenuity and natural evolution. The Steltloper is a nature observation station whose strong, uncompromising lines practically demanded to be painted.

To me, these buildings represent a beautiful paradox. They are strong, dominant, and imposing, yet they are also profoundly alone. I see them as unique entities standing firm against the vastness of the horizon. They represent our human desire to leave a mark, while also highlighting the transient nature of our journey.

Enlivening the Space

Ultimately, I believe that art should do more than just decorate a room; it should enliven it. My paintings are designed to be colourclash conversations—vibrant explosions of light and form that bring positive energy into a home.

The boats often found in my work symbolise this transience; the idea that we are all on a journey, moving through wide, expansive landscapes toward new horizons. If my work makes you stop and think, or if it sparks a moment of recognition that brings a smile to your face, then it has achieved its goal. I hope you enjoy exploring these vibrant worlds as much as I enjoy creating them.