Noëlle Sterk

During the Solar Weekend festival in 2008 I met Tashi, his co-artists and Paul Hilkins, who were performing a Tibetan ceremony in the Globalicious area where I was working. I took a look at the big promotion book of Tashi Norbu and gazed at a big Buddha painting, created by Tashi. I immediately fell in love with his artwork and told Paul I would come and visit the Temple and meet Tashi in person. And so I did. I met Tashi and Simonetta at the exhibition in the Tree House Gallery, where I could stare at so much more beautiful paintings. The first thing I told Tashi was: I want to learn how to paint like this, can you teach me?
It happens once in a while that you meet people and that it feels good from the very beginning. I began to work with Tashi and helped him starting up a painting course, which of course I attend myself. This again was such a big inspiration: I started painting again after years & years spent without performing creative activities. Temple started to feel like a second home for me.
In the meantime I have become the project leader of Tibet Art Now, the special Tibet Art Exhibition which is going to take place from 3 June till 6 July, in celebration of the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to The Netherlands. With pleasure and a great feeling of honor, I use my skills to produce and promote this event.
I haven't been in Tibet (yet) but have always felt a strong attraction to the Tibetan culture. My respect for non violence and for the peaceful and humble way of living of the Tibetans is huge, and of course for H.H. the Dalai Lama, who is one of the biggest examples in this world. The mission of Tibet Art Movement stands very close to my personal mission: to bring people in contact with the beautiful Eastern philosophies, touch peoples heart with the beauty of love and make them realize that there is more than meets the eye. And that you can find all the beautiful things you are looking for, within yourself.
Tashi has become a good friend and I get along very well with his co-artists and with Paul & Simonetta, who have my deepest respect as well. Temple is a great place to be, and it feels good to be connected to such beautiful, passionate and truthful people. I could recommend everybody to visit Temple once in a while, join a course, a teaching or a workshop and get connected with this amazing culture. It will open your heart and when you open your eyes and ears to what they have to say, you will be inspired!