What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Freedom. Free in thinking, in creating, in time. In search for new things and experiences for my work as a designer and as a teacher.

What is my idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness to me is living in our free and natural environment, with my partner and our kids and dogs. At the moment in a houseboat but otherwise in a little house with a big shed and a porch. Living a self-reliant life in health.

What is my greatest fear?

To die. To die too young of a disease or a fatal accident. Leaving everybody I love behind.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Perhaps it is not a trait, but my constantly working brain in combination with my sense of responsibility is something I really deplore. My brain is never off. I am always planning, thinking what’s next, feeling responsible for everything and everybody.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

I admire people who dare to be different. Who cares and take care. The one that comes in mind is Vivienne Westwood. A great fashion designer. A beautiful woman that stands for the environment, for people as well as the planet. Who wants to change fashion and the fashion industry. And besides all of this, she is a beautiful woman of age who makes awesome clothing.

What is my greatest extravagance?

Hmmm, I want to live as a minimalist, and living on a houseboat means no storage,but….. there must be room for my shoes, dresses and skirts!

On what occasion would I lie?

I don’t lie. Sometimes I just keep quiet.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Everything concerning administration.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I think I am always happy in my work as a designer as well as in my work as a teacher. The happiest when I am working at home, sitting at my design table or desk, making my own space and time to create something. Graphic designs, jewelry or new projects or lessons to inspire my students.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

The older I get, the more I feel content about myself. But a button to turn me off would be nice.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

I am not aiming for achievements. I want to live a good life. And that’s what I do at the moment.

Where would I most like to live?

On our houseboat. In the middle of free nature, away from stress and the busy society. And if I want to be in the middle of city life it is only 10 minutes away by bike!

What is my most treasured possession?

I am not a materialist so stuff is of no importance to me. But if I have to choose something, it would be all of my silver bracelets. It is about 25 years ago that I got my first one from a friend. And now I have a great collection, wearing 7 of them, day and night. They are all gifts of different people, telling me different stories and memories.

What is my most marked characteristic?

I think my tireless need for progress. I am curious. I want to know, want to learn, to share, to move on. And besides that: a deadline is a deadline.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

My home.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

At my place, or at my friends places.

What books influenced my life and how?

It is unduly to say that there are particular books that influenced my life. I gather my influences all around me. On the internet, books, articles, opinion magazines, essays…..

Who are my favorite writers?

I like reading story tellers who abduct my thoughts and take me to another world, mostly with a dark side. Examples are Niccolo Ammaniti, Tommy Wieringa, Khaled Hosseini, Carlos Ruiz Safón…

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

First Radiohead to feel blue and sob in sorrow. Then Massive Attack and Portishead to dwell on memory lane and at the end Steve Wonder to celebrate life.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Pippi Longstocking. How great is she!

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Really hard to say! A film that shook my world was ‘Once were warriors’ in 1994. But ‘Into the wild’ and everything of Quentin Tarantino are also my favorites.

What role plays art in my life and work?

A significant role. I won’t say that I make pure art, it’s more applied art. But art is a great reflection of the zeitgeist. It’s passion, it’s education, it shows how other people are dealing with life, with problems and solutions. It is inspiring to me and it teaches me to look at things in another perspective.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My partner, for sure.

Whom would I like to work with in 2019?

I would love to start a new project with my friend, living next door. And my other best friend is also my colleague. Always love to work with her. I’m a happy woman.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2019?

No one in particular. I love to meet people who are passionate about whatever. And I’m glad that I meet a lot of people who are just that.

What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on?

Nothing yet.

Where can you see me or my work in 2019?

There where life brings me.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Everything. I do almost everything with passion. I even teach the importance of Passion to my students.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

My best friend and colleague Mireille Schermer.

How can you contact me?

You can contact me via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jet.noever

Or you can mail me: juffrouwvanwaarde@outlook.com