Stef van Strij Nederland, b. 1996

As a child, Stef van Strij (born 1986, Gouda) was inspired by his grandmother, Ineke van Dijk, who created bronze sculptures and portraits for influential individuals and governments worldwide. Yet, at that time, he didn't realise his path would eventually lead to art. After a tumultuous youth, he spent several years in Tenerife before starting a new life in Amsterdam.

Three years later, he had a successful business. Selling airtime for Dutch TV programs funded the lifestyle he had always dreamed of. He lived in a canal house in the heart of the capital, drove a car, and had more than enough money to travel the world for years. Yet, he was more unhappy than he had ever been.

Temporary and material happiness turned out not to be what truly interested him. In retrospect, the Covid pandemic costing Stef his business was the beginning of his salvation. After a dark period of partying, drugs, burnout, and depression, he found his way up through creativity, a powerful impetus to inspire others with his art.