17. Eritrea – ምስላ ኤርትራውያን። Painting

Ward Schepman I was born in 1978 in Meerkerk and grew up in an artistic family. My mother writes novels and poetry, my sister is a glass artist, and my twin brother was a painter. At the age of 27, I founded the United Smile foundation to connect cultures through community art. In 2022, I spent a year hosting Ukrainian refugees with my partner, Anne, which deepened my involvement in painting as a way to process sadness. Since then, my passion for creating art has ignited. With my positive, entrepreneurial, dedicated, and adventurous spirit, I immerse myself fully in the art world. **Mission of Ward Schepman** With my artwork, I aim to show the beauty of our world—a world with immense diversity, where everything is interconnected, from nature to people. **My World Journey** In the realm of art, I believe there is a deeper truth that transcends color and form. When I work with organic paint sourced from specific countries, I create a unique bond between nature and human creativity. This connection is not only artistically significant but also socially meaningful. I virtually travel the world, creating a painting for each country using organic materials from that place. Using organic paints reveals techniques and results that synthetic materials cannot replicate. These paints, made from plants, minerals, and natural sources, provide my artwork with an authenticity that is hard to duplicate. I take it a step further by incorporating local materials from each country I paint, ensuring that each piece is connected to its place of origin, making my work more genuine and meaningful. Art made with organic paints possesses a special beauty. The colors and textures are richer and more vibrant, reflecting the natural world. My paintings capture this depth, with every brushstroke reflecting the spirit of the country that inspired it. The natural pigments offer shades that not only look beautiful but also evolve over time, giving my artwork a dynamic, timeless quality. This invites viewers not only to see my paintings but to experience the ever-changing beauty of life. In a time when our impact on the planet is evident, my use of organic paints sends a powerful message about sustainability and environmental care. It reflects my respect for nature and my commitment to eco-friendly practices. Through my choice of materials, I emphasize the importance of harmony between humans and nature and encourage a broader awareness of our role in preserving the planet.