Ideas to serve and transform:
Bas Degroot was born in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, in 1948. He came from a family of Dutch craftsmen and artists. After he received his first art lessons at the age of five, his works were sold at a charity event when he was only eleven years old, and he acquired his first commissions just a few years later. Subsequently he enjoyed the teaching of several noted artists while studying rather independently at universities in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Canada. Gradually his career developed a characteristic versatility that allowed him to express strong emotions, ideas and ideals in many ways.
Degroot wanted his work to serve. He saw art as an expression of big ideas, and to him the means or vehicles of that expression were not really relevant. That explains the constant quest for innovation that informed his many techniques. For example, Degroot developed very exclusive mosaics in brick that could cover over 1,000 square meters while leaping from building to building. He created extremely bright, even turbulent, stained glass windows, occasionally with an added dimension made possible through the unique use of layered stained glass.
In the Netherlands, Degroot employed many techniques to craft monumental works of art in 25 different cities. He also worked as an editor in chief, an artistic director, a translator of four books and an author of five. In 1988 Bas and his family landed in Canada. Thereafter, Degroot produced nearly 300 illustrations for North American clients. Major works commissioned before his death and fashioned using terra cotta, bronze, brick, paint and glass are landmarks in many Canadian and American cities. Special concentrations of his work can be found in Southern Ontario, particularly in the cities of Burlington, Niagara Falls, and Welland.
Important works in the Netherlands include a brick mosaic and square for theater "De Bussel" in Oosterhout, another brick mosaic for the Moonen building in Waalwijk, and a mosaic in granite for the arena "de beverbol" in the city of Ridderkerk. Special creations in Canada include twelve stained glass windows for the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, a large brick mosaic for the Maid of the Mist building in Niagara Falls, and a sculpture in bronze that depicts two beavers for the Welland bus terminal. Major works in the USA can be found in Florida, Kentucky and Louisiana.
In 2001, Bas Degroot died in Port Colborne, Canada, while in the midst of finishing the Welland Canal Monument.
Degroot wanted his work to serve. He saw art as an expression of big ideas, and to him the means or vehicles of that expression were not really relevant. That explains the constant quest for innovation that informed his many techniques. For example, Degroot developed very exclusive mosaics in brick that could cover over 1,000 square meters while leaping from building to building. He created extremely bright, even turbulent, stained glass windows, occasionally with an added dimension made possible through the unique use of layered stained glass.
In the Netherlands, Degroot employed many techniques to craft monumental works of art in 25 different cities. He also worked as an editor in chief, an artistic director, a translator of four books and an author of five. In 1988 Bas and his family landed in Canada. Thereafter, Degroot produced nearly 300 illustrations for North American clients. Major works commissioned before his death and fashioned using terra cotta, bronze, brick, paint and glass are landmarks in many Canadian and American cities. Special concentrations of his work can be found in Southern Ontario, particularly in the cities of Burlington, Niagara Falls, and Welland.
Important works in the Netherlands include a brick mosaic and square for theater "De Bussel" in Oosterhout, another brick mosaic for the Moonen building in Waalwijk, and a mosaic in granite for the arena "de beverbol" in the city of Ridderkerk. Special creations in Canada include twelve stained glass windows for the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, a large brick mosaic for the Maid of the Mist building in Niagara Falls, and a sculpture in bronze that depicts two beavers for the Welland bus terminal. Major works in the USA can be found in Florida, Kentucky and Louisiana.
In 2001, Bas Degroot died in Port Colborne, Canada, while in the midst of finishing the Welland Canal Monument.
Quotes in Canadian Media:
“I like ideas behind my work. I think religious beliefs give depth to my work. Everyone can learn the craft, but then you have to give it more.”
Source: Smith, Shaun. “A new beginning in a new land: Degroot’s potential unlimited as true Canadian artist.” Guardian Extra, January 18, 1989.
“I try to visualize an idea or thought. I try to say something. In that way, I feel I’m a useful artist.”
Source: Beauchamp, Grace. “Bas Degroot: stroke of a brush says it all for artist.” The Tribune, August 14, 1990.
“I like spiritual work. If someone gets a feeling from seeing my work, I feel I am doing something right.”
"I tell my students, ‘Don’t feel obliged to copy still life. Don’t just follow what other people have thought of. Whether good, bad, high, or low, express yourself while serving something.’"
Source: Scapillato, Joan. “Bas De Groot: ‘If someone gets a feeling, I am doing something right.’” The Tribune, January 8, 1991.
“I think art should be functioning in society. It can be inspiration and a new sort of idea. For me I strive for that goal.”
“Art should please [but] I think art should serve first. I strive for it, but of course I often fail.”
Source: "Dutch artist paints murals on buildings." Newspaper unknown. August 11, 1990.
“I like ideas behind my work. I think religious beliefs give depth to my work. Everyone can learn the craft, but then you have to give it more.”
Source: Smith, Shaun. “A new beginning in a new land: Degroot’s potential unlimited as true Canadian artist.” Guardian Extra, January 18, 1989.
“I try to visualize an idea or thought. I try to say something. In that way, I feel I’m a useful artist.”
Source: Beauchamp, Grace. “Bas Degroot: stroke of a brush says it all for artist.” The Tribune, August 14, 1990.
“I like spiritual work. If someone gets a feeling from seeing my work, I feel I am doing something right.”
"I tell my students, ‘Don’t feel obliged to copy still life. Don’t just follow what other people have thought of. Whether good, bad, high, or low, express yourself while serving something.’"
Source: Scapillato, Joan. “Bas De Groot: ‘If someone gets a feeling, I am doing something right.’” The Tribune, January 8, 1991.
“I think art should be functioning in society. It can be inspiration and a new sort of idea. For me I strive for that goal.”
“Art should please [but] I think art should serve first. I strive for it, but of course I often fail.”
Source: "Dutch artist paints murals on buildings." Newspaper unknown. August 11, 1990.
