“A person has to stay busy. I don't want to wake up and wonder, what am I going to do today?" Dominic spent a large portion of his life running his own construction firm at a relentless work pace. Despite not recognizing it initially, this lifestyle eventually led to burnout. Instead of medication, his doctor recommended therapy and introduced him to mindfulness and energetic treatments. “These insights and experiences had a huge impact on my outlook on life and my art.”
"At the age of 45, I carved my first stone and found profound satisfaction in sculpting". After that experience he took on art education and sought guidance from a mentor. "Sculpting is a dialogue with the stone; I let intuition guide me," he explains, emphasizing the importance of staying present in the creative process. "I believe there is an energy in people and spaces. I want to create an optimal flow of energy and let the stones tell you what to create. If you try to push or control, it doesn't work. This ideaI take with me in all aspects of my work and life.“
Residing in Kruibeke, a small village close to Antwerp Belgium, since 1987 with his wife Leen, they have raised three children: Jesse, Joren, and Maja. Now it's Dominic, Leen, and their two dogs living in the house. At the age of 55 he again found himself working at a high workpace and decided to transition to a part-time role in an elderly service unit, prioritizing his health and passion for sculpting. Despite the financial implications, this shift allows him to strike a balance and pursue his artistic work.
Witnessing the challenges of aging in his part-time job (dementia, loneliness,...) reinforces his determination to continue sculpting and working until his body or mind no longer permits.
How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
At work, I need to ensure everything gets done. My colleagues and the residents rely on me to keep things running smoothly. It gives me a sense of purpose and the necessary stress to function, to feel useful, and to accomplish tasks.But in my workshop, I have the freedom to not set expectations for myself. There, I allow myself to work at my own pace, free to choose what art I create and work on. I work on commission but never with a fixed deadline; it will be ready when it’s ready. Because social contact is very important to me I also give workshops and help people find peace while working with stones in an intuitive way. I find the combination of part-time work at the service facility and my work as a sculptor the best of both worlds. It’s like Yin and Yang.
What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
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