Hi Charlotte, it's nice talking to you! First, would you like to tell us a bit about yourself? Who are you, where are you from, where do you live now? Tell us a bit about your personal background!
Hello Karin! I'm also happy to speak to you. My name is Charlotte van Driel. I was born and raised in Gendt, a small village in the countryside. It was nice to live there, but I've always been attracted to the big city. That's why I now live and work in Nijmegen. I feel more comfortable there because it suits my needs better. Terraces, cafes, theaters, concerts and shops are very close by, and the city is located on a river where I can find peace when I need it. All this gives me a feeling of freedom. That's important to me.
What exactly do you do for a living? When did you discover photography?
I work in the pharmacy of a large hospital, a very nice job. What I enjoy most is dealing with patients and seeing the result of medical treatment.
Since childhood, I spent most of my time reading specialized books on photography and in 2016 I took my first photography course. Inspired by this, I finally started practicing my passion (to the delight of my audience). I focus on architecture and landscapes with the same intention, which is to capture the moments of calm in the general atmosphere of chaos that we experience here on Earth.
Your pictures have a very calming effect and yet stand out due to the intense colors and minimalist style. How have you developed your style over the years?
I think I was a little hesitant at the beginning. But the comments and enthusiasm of my audience, other photographers and galleries gave me enough confidence to show more. I also suffered from burnout a few years ago. To recover, I went for long walks. Looking back, it was a valuable time in which I got to know nature, architecture and the world around me again. I mainly looked for quiet, deserted places and captured them with my camera. I experienced taking and editing photos as a form of therapy, it had a healing effect on me. So I started very carefully, but today I mainly use bright, cheerful colors.
What do you like most about the minimalist style? Do you try to follow a minimalist lifestyle at home?
I like the calmness of minimalism. When I look at it, I feel like everything that could be left out has been left out. Yet I don't miss anything, but rather feel a satisfying sense of completeness.
When it comes to minimalism in lifestyle, I focus on what is really important and essential to me and try to get rid of all the things I don't really need. This is the most tangible and effective way to apply minimalism.
What inspires you and why?
Traveling inspires me the most. When I arrive somewhere, the first thing I do is look for books about that place or area in local shops. That's my guide. I love visiting historical places, but nature and beaches are also some of my favorite places in the world. A good example that inspired me is the historic center of Panama City, Casco Viejo. In this neighborhood there are so many colorful houses with small windows and balconies. I couldn't get enough of them! Or Bocas Del Toro, an archipelago on the Caribbean coast with beautiful tropical beaches and colorful architectural houses.
A look at your Instagram feed also quickly reveals that you like to be outdoors and try to capture moments of movement. Is there a particular message you try to convey with your pictures?
With my photographs I aim to transport the viewer into a moment of calm. "Minimalism is the ultimate refinement". My aim is to transport the viewer into a minimalist world where a therapeutic feeling of calm prevails. This is the most important visual aspect of my photography.
Can you tell us more about your creative process? How do you get ideas and how do you edit your images? Do you like to plan your images in advance or do you prefer to take photos spontaneously?
Both. I prefer to take pictures that often have just one element and place it in a neutral background. If that doesn't work, I transfer it to my MacBook and start editing.
When and why did you start sharing your pictures on Instagram?
I started on IG in 2018. Back then, I didn't have any intention of sharing all my photos there. The enthusiasm of my followers finally led to this. Now I think IG is the best platform to show my work.
Do you have a favorite photo that you have shared? Can you tell us the story behind it?
This is a difficult question because I have many favorites. But I really like the picture with the red wall and blue door. The color combination and the awning over the door make me smile. I wonder what is behind this door and would love to take a look inside to see if it is as cozy and cute as the outside. I took the photo in January 2020 in Costa Rica on a very warm and humid day.
What do you think about your IG community? Do you follow them and enjoy exchanging ideas with them?
I am in regular contact with my IG community. They are very important to me because they are very inspiring. For example, I take part in live sessions with other photographers on the platform. I learn a lot from them.
Can you tell us about some of your favorite Instagrammers who particularly inspire you?
There are many Instagrammers who inspire me. If I only mention a few names, it would mean neglecting others, and I'd rather avoid that.
Do you still enjoy writing postcards yourself?
Yes, I do. When I visit a bookstore, I always look at the postcards. I love them so much because the little pictures tell a story or spark your imagination. And I always get a surprised response when I send a postcard. It makes people feel special and they know that I really care about them and have thought of them.
Did you know about Pickmotion before our cooperation? If so, how did you find out about us?
Yes, I already knew you because some Pickmotion postcards are sold in my favorite bookstore around the corner. It is a great honor for me to collaborate with you and see some of my own pictures on the Pickmotion postcards.
Would you like to share a little story or anecdote with us at the end? Feel free to tell us whatever comes to mind!
I fondly remember one of my last trips to Sri Lanka. I hired a tuktuk and the roads took me past villages with colorful houses and rocking chairs on the verandas. No high-rise buildings, just palm/banana trees and pineapple fields. Iguanas slept in the sun on the side of the road or on a branch. Birds, including parrots in shades of purple, gold and green, flew past my tuktuk. I was on my way to Tangalle, a coastal town, to see giant sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach at night. I enjoyed it to the fullest. The overwhelming flora and fauna made me realize what this is all about and how much we should protect them. I left my camera untouched in my bag all day long. I wanted to see the spectacle with my own eyes rather than through the lens of my camera.
APM-0254, APM-0226, ZG-0917-DE
Bring @charlotte_vandriel's minimalist art into your home with two of our Pickmotion Art posters or a beautiful postcard ! You can find all her products in our online shop !
