In 2017, writer Dick Witte asked if he could use the photo of my portrait of Ramses Shaffy, one of my favorite Dutch singers, (he also bought the painting) for his new book. Naturally, I was very much honored and excited. The book is titled “Head Held High, Nose in the Wind.” It describes the early days of Dutch cabaret and the unique role that the song ‘Mens durf te leven’ has played in the world of cabaret over the years.
My painting is printed on the front cover, next to a beautiful artwork by Leo Gestel, which adorned the sheet music cover of the song the book is about: “Mens, durf te leven!” by Dirk Witte. I have read the book, and it is definitely worth reading it if you speak Dutch.
