Mieke Jonker: Finding Harmony in Quiet Interiors

Monday, September 22, 2025
Mieke Jonker: Finding Harmony in Quiet Interiors

Mieke Jonker started her creative career as a goldsmith, but was inspired to satrt painting after she saw Rembrandt's portrait of Haesje van Cleyburgh at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

In her paintings she seeks to capture the quiet beauty of still interiors, inviting viewers to imagine themselves within the scene. Her vibrant colors and strong contrasts define these scenes, executed with a free and expressive touch.
As a Chinese saying goes: "A good painting requiers the eye, the hand and the heart," recognizing that true art is born from keen observation, skilled execution and heartfelt expression.
AD: How does your work reflect your view of the world right now?
MJ: My work has no socially critical message. I am looking for security, beautiful color schemes, harmony and balance. My view of the world starts at your home, have a nice and good life in your most intimate environment from where you can have a better look at the world.
AD: What role do you think art plays in connecting people today?
MJ: Sometimes a work of art says more than a thousand words and people can  feel connected to this, it can give comfort and joy. But that's of all time, I don't think that's any different now.
Mieke Jonker, Holland Baroque IX, 2025
AD: Can you tell us a. bit more about your painting 'Holland Baroque IX'? 
MJ: This work is very special to me, especially because of the format. I usually work on canvases of 140x100 cm. This work is 30x24cm. I painted it in a daze, suddenly it was on the canvas. I like contrasts, mainly to play with light and dark. The lamp and the chair are playfully worked out and as so often in my work, a dog pops up again. This time in the small picture frame. It makes me happy myself.
AD: What message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from your art?
MJ: Because I never paint people in spaces, I can only hope that the viewer can easily connect with my work. Just out of the delusion of the day with only a dog as a companion, surrounded by beautiful colors and in a harmonious non everyday the same environment.
ArtDependence (AD):  What inspired you to take part in the Art to Collect project?
Mieke Jonker (MJ): ArtDepencence is a site with a lot of artnews and this appeals to me very much, I also like the art shown at Art to Collect. The sympathetic way of communicating and the genuine interest in my work have led to my choice.
Main Image: Mieke Jonker, Holland Baroque IX, 2025