Baby boomers

In the 1960s, storks were almost extinct in the Netherlands. In 1969 the Birdprotection started a reintroduction and breeding program. Now, the birds are back and booming. Newborn (human) babies are often depicted as being delivered in a white cloth hanging from the beak of a stork. With the legend of the stork as a good luck charm in bringing new life, the stork is an important part of Dutch culture. Human influence on breeding these 'wild' birds and keeping them from going extinct, shows how thin the line is between wild and domesticated. Domesticated is termed as generations of breeding to adapt to life with humans. Of course, these birds are released into the wild, but even in their environment, for example the electricity poles in our landscapes, we influence their reproduction and habitat. 

Challenging our preconceived notions of animals in our society, Nienke's work ultimately invites us to take a closer, more reflective look into our own relationship with animals and the ways in which we navigate and inhabit our space with them.

My choice for Hahnemühle Bamboo Fine Art paper is based on the intention to decrease human impact and improve the sustainability of our world. Both through the subjects of photography and the way I create my art is aligned with the idea of having as little negative impact on my surroundings. And keeping it natural and sustainable with limited edition prints on bamboo fibers. I see and capture the world and subjects as they are and how I see them with my documentary style photography. Naturally beautiful without interference and sometimes painful when you start to think about the impact of human choices on other lives and the world.