Entering FRANK VISSER’s studio is like stepping into one of his paintings. The strong colours, the whimsical compositions, the sheer amount of detail seep out of the canvases on the walls to take over the entire space. The rooms that Frank paints are always generous, as if they were trying to console the lonely figures that inhabit them. That generosity is palpable all over the studio.
WHAT IS SOMETHING I WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND IN YOUR SPACE?
It was definitely my cat Lient; she died not that long ago. There are more studios with pets, particularly cats, but Lient was a very special character. So, now I would say that I’m still sadly amazed that I don’t have her here anymore.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WORKPLACE IN THREE WORDS…
Homely, closely, and with the ‘noise’ of the people I love to work with. I think the music or the cozy hum of a sewing machine from another room is attractive. Through the sound, I feel the concentration and focus of what my colleagues are doing. That inspires me to focus on my own work.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED AND FROM WHOM?
From my father — he passed away a while ago, but I remember well if I suggested the idea of renting another space, often larger and more expensive than what I had, he always supported me in my decision. If it feels good, and you think it will bring you something new, you should do it.
WHERE DID YOU FIND THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH?
I had no choice. After studying something for which I had little ambition and passion for a few years, it was a relief and eye-opener to do something that I liked, and that gives me the energy to do more and move on every time.
WHAT’S THE MOST PRODUCTIVE PRACTICAL TIP YOU COULD GIVE TO ANOTHER CREATIVE PERSON?
Be stubborn about putting fantasy over practicality. Contradictory perhaps, but this makes you productive. And surround yourself with young people.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Follow and trust something that you somehow know is in you, but don’t believe that is your talent.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CENTER YOURSELF AND FIND FOCUS?
I make things with my hands. I can get very restless just talking about plans, making concepts etc. By just doing it, making it, I get focus, and new ideas come naturally.
DOES THE SPACE YOU WORK IN HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY?
It used to be an ice factory, huge chunks of ice for the fridge, when there was no electricity. So, the building has very big walls, which keep it very cool in the summer.
WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF IN THIS SPACE?
That it is always so easy to create a completely different atmosphere.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?
A slightly better Amsterdam neighborhood, which happens to also have a slightly messy edge. The shop Mevius is the absolute attraction: a large hall with all kinds of second hand and other goods, a walhalla for the creatives of the city.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
To create something, find a team, and go make it. That’s the easiest — the difficult part is to show it to the world. So, the dream project would be complete if it made it into a big and thick book.
FAVORITE SONG/BAND AT WORK?
Right now, Brazilian music, Maria Bethânia is one of my favorite singers.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL FOR ARTISTS?
A brush.
Where They’ is a visual documentation of the creative environments of artist & people, that meet during my travels, of homes and studios.
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