Your Company Name: Lesly Bouwman
Email Address/Web Page: luuk_lesly_wijgers@compuserve.nl
City & State: Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Type of Craft: Fimo miniatures
Tell us in your own words, how you discovered polymer clay and how long have you been using it?
A neighbour used fimo clay to make dolls. She helped me make
a few. I liked working with the clay very much but didn't want to make only
dolls. Then I found some books on how to make animal figures and
miniatures, so I got started. I've started about 6 years ago.
Are there any special artists that you can attribute your interest to or that have inspired you?
I like the work of Carla Pont very much. In the Netherlands
she has published about 11 books.
What is your specialty?
I like making small scenes with animals (mouses, bears,
hippo's etc.) Like a schoolclass or a jungle. The latest I made was a
sandcastle with little bears.
Can you tell us why you find polymer clay the expressive medium for you?
With polymer clay you can work in very fine detail. You don't
need special equipment and you can do it on the kitchen table.
Have you published any polymer clay books or do you have any in the works?
No, I haven't published anything.
I know it is very difficult to express, but have you won any awards for your polymer clay work?
No, not on TV or anything. But I have had shows in the local
library, a old-peoples home and some shops. Also I have been to a outdoor
craft show.
What are your expectations for the future? Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
In five years time I hope to have started given lessons again
and I would very much like to start some kind of shop in gifts.
Do you have any advice for the beginning polymer clay enthusiasts?
Read and just try it. If possible follow some lessons with
somebody who has used it longer.
Are you a member of any Polymer Clay group,or any other craft
organization?
No, I don't know a polymer clay group in Holland.
What brands of polymer clay do you prefer and why?
Fimo, because it doesn't get too soft in your hands and
because the colours are very nice.
Last and most important can you tell us all about you? Your family, your
training?
I am a wife and mother of three boys. I work free -lance as
an art-director. Furthermore I help out at school, and at the local library
for toys. I have given lessons in polymer clay and hope to start again when
the youngest is a little bit older (he is now 1 year and a handful).
