JOËLLE WEHKAMP, A CREATIVE OPTIMIST

Designing, painting, drawing, and working with ceramics: creative all-rounder Joëlle Wehkamp can't do anything else. With her cheerful work, she brings joy to people worldwide. "I am a true optimist. I choose to go through life happily."

TEXT: SHE SMOLDERS
PHOTOGRAPHY: NOPOINTSTUDIOS
MAKEUP: MARJA HERMES

'I grew up in the Limburg town of Weert and come from a very creative family. The most beautiful surprises were made for Sinterklaas. As a child, I already loved crafting and drawing. In high school, I discovered even more that my talent lay there and that it made me happy. Therefore, studying Textile Design at the art academy in Maastricht and later a master's in Fashion Design & Strategy in Arnhem were a logical step. During my graduation project, I ended up at Hema, where I worked as a designer for seven years. In 2011, I continued as a freelance designer because I wanted more freedom.'

SUNNY SIDE UP

"I love color, beauty, and I am always positive. The sunny side up! My handmade work often brings joy to people. That's also who I am: a true optimist. I enjoy going through life cheerfully and I know how to put a positive spin on everything. If something doesn't go according to plan, then it must be meant to be. I follow my heart and intuition, always. I am convinced that listening to your inner voice puts you on the right path. And: what makes the corners of your mouth curl upwards, that is the right direction. This can mean that I say no to a project because it doesn't feel right, even if I don't have any other work available at that moment. I have learned from experience that something better always comes along afterwards."

CREATIVE SABBATICAL

'As a designer, I collaborate with brands such as Dille & Kamille, Rijksmuseum, Mr Starsky, PostNL, and Rice. I enjoy working with brands that truly resonate with me; colorful, positive, and high-quality. A few years ago, I also started feeling the need to create my own work. Occasionally, I would take a creative sabbatical: I would block a month in my schedule to paint and create ceramics without a specific brief or deadline. I loved it, and it turned out that other people enjoyed it too: they bought my work. I hope to continue creating beautiful heartmade art and products, either on my own or through collaborations with high-quality brands. As far as I'm concerned, the world is much bigger than the Netherlands: I believe that my work can bring joy to people everywhere.'

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

"I am visually oriented and always have my feelers out. It is often the things that make me happy that inspire me. Of course, Instagram and Pinterest show a lot of beautiful things all day long, but I am also lucky to have seen much of the world. My husband and I went on a six-month world trip, and last year we went to Central and South America with our family for 3.5 months. Unforgettable and inspiring. I also enjoy going to Paris or London with friends, sometimes just for a day trip by train. Inspiration is everywhere, as long as you are open to it."

"With my work, I do what I love the most."

DAILY HOLIDAY FEELING

Five years ago, our family moved from the heart of Amsterdam to Nederhorst den Berg, a small village outside Amsterdam. We were looking for a daily vacation feeling and wanted to live more outdoors, see the horizon, watch the sky change. We now live in a dream spot, on a rural winding road right by the water. Since we moved here, I have also discovered gardening. I enjoy watching the garden grow and bloom. It almost feels like painting with plants and flowers.

IN THE SMALL LIES THE BIG

"I become extremely happy from being at home, but also from doing as many fun things as possible with the people I love. With my work, I do what I love the most, but even more important to me is spending a lot of time with my family, relatives, and friends. In my grandmother's diary it says: 'No one on their deathbed says: I wish I had worked more.' I wholeheartedly agree with that. I try to make as much space as possible to create beautiful memories. Crafting with the children, visiting a special exhibition with a friend, taking a nice walk in nature: in the small things lies the big picture."