Working on why we still paint in 2013 (2014 now) for my year 3 dissertation, I contacted one of my favourite painter, whom I cite quite a lot, Luc Tuymans.
I was lucky enough to get an answer straight away from one of his assistant, asking me whether I would like to speak to him over the phone or pass by his studio (in Antwerp!).
I had to sit down for a minute! I couldn’t believe it. The turmoil in my stomach settled, I decided to go there and meet him.
Tall, rather cold at first, Luc (!) then moderately opened up and answered my questions for about an hour, smoking one Marlboro after another.
I asked to see one of his paintings as I had only seen one “in real” and he kindly offered to take me to his studio to see the painting he is currently working on.
His assistant drove us to this impressive garage turned into a painting studio, with a huge canvas nailed on the wall. Awesome is the best word to describe that moment. I didn’t want to leave, I wanted to see him paint and ask so many more questions! But I know how painting is a solitary process and thanked him for his time.
I still can’t believe it all happened.
I wouldn’t have dreamt of him being so approachable and interested in young artists like myself.
I needed a good beer after so many emotions, and Belgium is perfect for that!!! I added a waffle!