Creative Breadcrumbs #8

These walls were made for painting...

In January of 2023, I felt terrible. I had spent the last months working in a garage with barely any heating, and had developed some kind of inflammation in my body. Instead of going to the doctor with my ailments, I decided to go outside and decorate some walls with my newly created character Mister Joke.

It was a “It is now or never” moment. If I was going to die from my disease, might as well go out doing what I loved. Then I realized, when painting outside, how bad shape I was in. After making the first pieces, I was literally panting after getting back home.

I was reading The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha at the time, and that helped to set my mood. I somewhat felt like Don Quixote, terrible at what you do, disillusioned and disconnected from reality, but hellbent on fulfilling your task, whatever it may be. Or whomever fantasized princess needs saving.

From sketch to wall art.

Painting in the street.

The fun and interesting part of painting in the street is how easy it is get in touch with people. I’ve had countless friendly encounters with many who came to say hello and praise the work. Like this Polish brother for example, seen in the picture above.

I have mostly painted on ply-wood that were set up for construction. If you stick to those walls in Rotterdam, the authorities will not bother you. This one, with the broccoli on it, was a bit tricky. It is a store-window, barred off with panels. When I started painting in the morning, the owner came out and told me to stop immediately. Somehow I convinced him, agreeing on some changes, and got a free shirt in the end.

Having the courage to fulfill my dream, of making street art, helped me on my way in getting healthy again. My mind was aching after doing more creative work after having spent years behind a welding mask, and that built-up tension finally blew out in me becoming physically ill. Doing creative work, together with meditation, Qi Gong / Tai Chi, and intermittent fasting has helped tremendously the past few years.

Stickers, made in 2023/2024.

In 2024 and 2025 I focused my street art into stickers. It is easier to make and apply, and is much more effective in reach than one single wall. I will surely make a wall again someday, but for now I will focus my time on the comic strip Black Bread. I will release a new strip every Monday here on my Substack profile, so be sure to follow me.