The reason why I do music is because it connects me potentially to everybody on this planet.
IBRAHIM MAALOUF
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At the beginning of this book, I would like to thank some people without whom it would never have come into existence. First and foremost, I think of the many—mostly young—people I’ve had the privilege of teaching over the past nearly 40 years. You are the main reason this book came into the world. When I think of my current students as I write these words, I can genuinely say: I write this for you. And also, when I think of students I taught earlier—half a year ago, a year, a few years, many years ago, I see all of you before me. I feel deep, genuine love for you: for your willingness to come into presence, your search, your struggle to find your place in the world and to feel at home in it. If I’ve been able to contribute something positive to that journey, I am glad. And if this book, directly or indirectly, may benefit you—then my effort has succeeded.
In recent years, I have also regularly worked on projects with art teachers. I’ve given courses and training sessions, and in the past few years, I’ve led a “practice space” for several art educators to explore the existential dimension of art (more on that later—in fact, that’s what this entire book is about). This book is also for you, art teachers and artist educators. I bow deeply to the work you do with children and young people—often under challenging circumstances.
I began my teaching career as a drawing teacher at a secondary school, where, over the course of 12 years, I watched two full generations of 12-year-olds grow into 18-year-old young adults. Experiencing that process always felt like a privilege: intimate, meaningful, fulfilling, and a constant source of joy. Paul Lobbrecht and Frie Maas, as colleagues at my first school, you taught me essential lessons about art and education. Thank you for the wisdom you shared, and for the generosity and freedom with which you shared it.
Later, when I began teaching at ArtEZ university of the arts, I found myself closer to art. The whole atmosphere of that place—alive with art, creativity,
When it comes to international friends and colleagues, I must first thank dear Diederik Schönau, for introducing me to the International Society of Education through Art that brought me into contact with many ideas, projects, and people over the years. This brings me to the loving memory of artist and art teacher István Bodóczky, whom we visited in Budapest several times. I would like to thank the wonderful Ruth Mateus-Berr for inviting me to the ball and for never stop asking me to explain my research. With this book, I finally give a response, dear Ruth. Leena Hannula, thank you for your friendship and for sharing your love for art education, your home, and your sauna with me. And dearest Liora Bresler, I still feel your support and encouragement—it moves me every time I think of you.
And then came the moment when I heard Gert Biesta speak for the first time—during an expert meeting in the Netherlands, some twelve years ago. Gert, I am grateful you were open to contact and to stay in touch: as visiting professor at ArtEZ, as my PhD supervisor, and as mentor for this book. Together we concluded that the topic I wanted to explore, the existential dimension of art in education, could not fully come to life within the constraints of a dissertation. I am glad I paused that academic path to work on this book with you first. Enlightening might be the best word to characterize your supervision; always rooted in equality, inspiring and humane. I am deeply grateful for everything you have shared—your overwhelming number of publications, your insights, and the generous way you’ve always explained your thinking. It means the world to me to have had you as a guide.
Merel Visse, thank you so much for staying with me in the PhD process at the University of Humanistic, and encouraging me by saying: “What you write is beautiful and important, please continue!” There were moments I felt lost in a kind of emptiness, and thanks to your words, I kept on writing.
My current colleagues, dear Giovanni Dalessi and dear Wendy Janssen: I feel truly fortunate to work with the two of you. Together we form a wonderful team: we can both disagree and laugh aloud together—leading to beautiful, existential art education. The illustrations in this book are the works of our students and the fruit of our collective work. Thank you so much for everything!
To my students in the Liberal Arts minor: for almost ten years, you have been my inspiration and raison d’être as a teacher. Together with the first groups of the master’s program IMAE, you appear in the episodes in this book. Thank you so much for being present. Job Verhoeven, a special thank you for designing the layout of the seven illustrations in this book—you really helped me out! Dear Estzi, thank you for inviting me for a coffee from time to time.
Turning now to my personal life, there are people I want to thank for everything they mean to me. One person stands in that in-between space between work and private life: my friend Leontine Broekhuizen. We studied together, worked side by side in art education throughout our lives, gave some unforgettable presentations at InSEA conferences, but most of all, we share an unbreakable friendship. Thank you so much for everything, dear Tina. Next to you is Mirjam Bakker, whom I also met during our studies. As you put it dear Mirjam: there are many people you can have a serious conversation with, but not so many with which you can seriously laugh. I treasure our weekends with the three of us in Amsterdam, filled with art, joy and so much more.
Another gentle yet quietly strong companion in both art and life is architect Annet Bakels, now living in the Norwegian woods. Annet, the walks we have taken through the forest—both literal and metaphorical—are unforgettable, and I wish to share many more with you. And you never fail to ask, in every single conversation: So, have you been painting?
And then I come closer to home—to my two amazing sons, Max and Felix van de Veerdonk. Both of you, each in your own way, are beautiful human beings—kind, supportive, strong, generous, loyal, inventive, funny. Everything, and so much more, than I ever hoped for when I became your mother. The company you built together, Collective Soepel, is one of the most inspiring places I know—where engineering, design and the art of living are woven together by your wonderful team of six. You each have an amazing partner by your side—two wonder women whom I love dearly: Luka Meijer and Pomme van de Weerd. Your support, friendship, and love bring warmth and richness to our family. You are the daughters I never had—and yet, here you are.
From that love, a little grandson has been born: my small, great friend Oscar van de Veerdonk, son of Felix and Pomme. You are such a delightful child, and the days we spend together are among the happiest. This book is dedicated to you, dear Oscar, because you still have a long journey ahead in this world. And I wish for you an education that makes you feel at home in the world, and truly teaches you how to engage with that big question of how to lead your life. And
I grew up in a family that wasn’t specifically focused on art or culture. We didn’t visit museums together, but Lies Wienk-Zwebe, my mother, who just turned 91, played the piano every day for two or even three hours. Through this, you not only taught me to feel at home in music, but more importantly, you taught me to enjoy what you love and to spend as much time on it as you wish. Thank you for that mum.
And finally, I come to the person without whom this book truly would never have been written: Bert van de Veerdonk—my husband, friend, and companion since I was 21 years old. That is a long time, and if I had to name one defining thread throughout all those years, it would be your unwavering love and support. You hold me up while also giving me the space I need—to explore, to step into the world, to teach, to travel. You love cooking delicious meals for me, you are prepared to look past the chaos I leave behind, and you are genuinely happy for me when something goes well. I know you are happy that this book is now finished, and I wish to continue stepping out into the world together.
Each of you, in your own way, has my deepest gratitude.
I dedicate this book to all of you.