Looking inside Urmila: ‘My children always have a laugh when they are out with me’

Decorating the edges of the newspaper

As a child, Urmila was already creative “I was always decorating and painting. I always filled the edges of the newspaper with zentangles.” says Urmila. These are drawing repeating patterns in a relaxing way. Yet she opted for an economic education and not, for example, for the art academy. Fortunately, because otherwise Urmila would never have met her husband, whom she has been married to for years now, and with whom she has children.

Naughty shoes put on

“For the past two years I didn’t like the office anymore, I wanted to focus on my art full-time. But giving up a stable income is pretty exciting.” Yet Urmila dared it. She took the plunge and went to the Chamber of Commerce.

After that it went well for Urmila. “That same day someone called who wanted to sell my shells in her shop.” Last year Urmila attended many fairs and festivals. “In the beginning, I found that very scary. It felt so vulnerable standing there with my stuff. Fortunately it was a great success!”

Casting yourself and workshops

Urmila paints everything that comes within her reach: from branches to feathers and from stones to jewellery. But, she doesn’t just paint them, she also casts the stones and the tea light holders (also incense holders) in specially developed molds.

She also uses the stones during her two and a half hour workshops. “Many people continue with it at home and then I see the most beautiful creations. It gives me so much satisfaction to pass on my passion to others.”

Gifts from nature

“My children always laugh when they are out with me. I never come home empty-handed. Everywhere I see something I can take with me to paint.” The Balijbos is a favorite of Urmila in particular. “There are often beautiful branches that I let dry in my shed and then paint them.” But feathers and shells are also a favorite. “Recently I made two personalized Scallops on request for a couple walking to Santiago, so much fun!”

Spiritual touch

Urmila has also been on the paranormal fair last year. “My work also often has a spiritual and symbolic touch.” At work she uses signs such as Ohm, Yin Yang, ‘the evil eye’, Hamsa hands and the seven Chakras. “Lately I have also been working on the effect of gemstones. That way I always immerse myself in something new.”